67/71

This toy sewing basket is probably either French or German in origin and dates from the late-nineteenth or early-twentieth century. It is a flown rectangular basket with a foot, lid and drop ring handles, made of very fine white willow rods and skein. The lid is fastened with a loop, ring and pin closure.

1 basket with hinged lid: willow

The Ann Mary Pilcher Collection of Victorian Baskets (67/60-94) was collected by Ann Mary Pilcher in 1957-1967, mostly from junk shops and stalls. Little history is known about any of them., MERL 'Catalogue of baskets' form – 'NAME: BASKET (sewing) // Acc. No.: 67/71 // Group: PERSONAL. USE. TOYS // Neg. no.: 60/8643 // Place of origin: German or French // Period in use: late 19th or early 20th c. // DESCRIPTION // Materials: White willow rod & skein, very fine. // Shape and construction: Rectangular. Flown. With cover. Base wooden slat bound skein. Sides sewn to it. Foot. Stakes sewn to rods. Sides randed over 2 under 1. Cover randed. Drop ring handles. Loop, ring & pin closure. // Dimensions: WB. [width of bottom] 1 2/2” L.B. [length of bottom] 3” D. [depth] 1 1/4” WT. [width of top] 1 3/4” LT. [length of top] 3 1/2” // Use: As a toy or ornament. // Dialect names: // Distribution: // Additional notes:'

1875 - 1924

Wright, Dorothy (Recorder)