A Victorian silver basket, C.T. & G. Fox, London, 1850, retailed by Michael Emanuel, Hanover Square

shaped oval, the undulating borders embossed in the manner of Adam Van Vianen with vestigial faces and applied with ribbon-tied clusters of flowers alternating with vegetables, the pierced side panels engraved on both sides with emblems of the United Kingdom, the underside engraved 'EMANUEL / 5. HANOVER SQ: LONDON.'

Condition of basket and marks is good; note that each of the applied clusters of flowers/vegetables has a lion passant mark. There appears to be some repairs to the delicate piercing but it has been skillfully done.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Although C.T. & G. Fox, manufacturing silversmiths of 139 Old Street are more usually associated at this period with Lambert & Rawlings, goldsmiths of Coventry Street, they are known to have supplied a number of other London retailers. Their work was often inspired by 17th Century silver and several examples have been recorded where the original patterns were based on those of Van Vianen. A case in point is a standing figure salt, C.T. & G. Fox, London, 1858, illustrated in John Culme, 19th Century Silver, London, 1977, p. 166.

Michael Emanuel was an exhibitor of several important items at the Great Exhibition of 1851 and it is not inconceivable that this basket was made for that occasion. His business was continued by his eldest son, Harry whose exhibits at the International Exhibitions in London in 1862 and in Paris in 1867 received much praise.