This elegant Antique Silverplate Cake Basket is a lovely example of the gift-giving thoughtfulness of a bygone era, sharing its romance with us even still.

Enhanced with lovely pierced detailing, the gleaming silverplated basket has an elegant, oval silhouette standing confidently on its pedestal base. The distinctive, angular handle is pierced to mirror the basket itself while the top of the handle is engraved with a dedication that shares its sentiment over a century later:

Beautifully crafted in Sheffield, England by the long-shuttered Watson & Gillott silversmiths, this gleaming basket will be perfect for cakes, breads or fruits, serving you with its certain romantic loveliness. 

*Teesside is an area in Northeast England that is centered around the river Tees.

One-of-a-kind and subject to prior sale. In very good antique condition. Measures 12" x 9" high with handle raised. 

Learn More About Cake Baskets

Decorative silver baskets for bread, cake, flowers or fruit became popular in England during the Georgian period, and continued to flourish during the Victorian and Edwardian eras. There were several reasons for their popularity: firstly, decorative silver baskets make excellent centerpieces. During the Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian eras the wealthy and middle classes loved to throw dinner parties. Displaying silver tableware and centerpieces was a means of demonstrating their wealth and taste.

Secondly, during these dinner parties, the handles of baskets ensured food could be passed around the table by guests rather than being served by staff; especially shared foods - such as bread, fruit, cakes and sweet treats. Cake baskets in particular, typically had a rolled-back rim so the guests could see the delicious baked goods readily from the table.

Lastly, the more types of serving pieces included on the dinner table, the more cultured and knowledgeable you were perceived to be.