1880s Meriden Aesthetic Movement Quadruple Silver Plate Bride’s Cake Basket

Details

Description

A striking late-19th-century Victorian Aesthetic Movement bride’s or cake basket by the Meriden Silver Plate Co. of Meriden, Connecticut.

This … Read more A striking late-19th-century Victorian Aesthetic Movement bride’s or cake basket by the Meriden Silver Plate Co. of Meriden, Connecticut.

This highly decorative footed basket is crafted in quadruple silver plate and features an exceptionally ornate botanical design. Raised flowers, foliage, berries, and scrolling vines cover the exterior, while the interior is engraved with a delicate flowering branch and butterfly motif. An elaborate swing handle continues the botanical theme with dimensional vine, leaf, and berry details.

The underside bears the Meriden Silver Plate Co. lion maker’s mark and is stamped “QUADRUPLE PLATE” and pattern No. 01613.

Founded in 1869, Meriden Silver Plate Co. became known for elaborate American silver-plated hollowware during the Victorian period and later became part of the International Silver Company in 1898.

The naturalistic floral and insect motifs and exuberant ornamentation are characteristic of the Aesthetic Movement, when designers embraced botanical, Japanese-influenced, and nature-inspired decoration.

**Details**

* Maker: Meriden Silver Plate Co., Meriden, Connecticut
* Pattern / model: No. 01613
* Period: Late 19th century
* Circa: 1880s–1890s
* Style: Victorian / Aesthetic Movement
* Material: Quadruple silver plate over base metal
* Form: Footed bride’s / cake basket with swing handle
* Width: Approximately 10 inches
* Decoration: Raised botanical motifs with engraved butterfly and flowering branch interior
* Maker’s mark present on underside

**Condition**
Good antique condition consistent with age and use. The surface retains substantial aged patina and shows tarnish, scratches, surface wear, and areas of silver-plate loss, particularly along raised and frequently handled areas. No aggressive polishing has been performed. Please review photographs closely for the condition and character of the original surface.

A wonderfully sculptural example of late-Victorian American silverplate that works equally well as a collectible piece of decorative art or as an ornate tabletop accent. See less