A GEORGE II SILVER TWO-HANDLED BASKET, Paul de Lamerie, London, 1732

oval, the sides and scalloped rim formed of simulated raffia with corded borders and loop handles wrapped with cording, raised on a short foot rim pierced with running lozenges, the interior engraved with arms in a baroque cartouche surrounded by lattice and strapwork

Millicent Rogers, New York and Taos, New Mexico
Thence by descent to the present owner

The arms are those of Reynardson impaling Knipe for Samuel Reynardson Esq. F.R.S. of Holywell Hall, co. Lincoln, born 1704 and his wife Sarah daughter and heir of Sir Randolph Knipe, whom he married in 1732, the date of this basket.  He died in 1797.

underside of rim with several repairs at one end near handle-- one repair re-opened; old repairs to a few short rim splits around edge; another point of rim with three reeds repaired where joined to body; all barely noticeable from top and underside can be cleaned up; central engraving in good condition and rare to be unchanged; clear marks
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Paul de Lamerie is credited with developing this distinctive form of basket, which was later copied by both English and German silversmiths.  The earliest known example is a pair of circular baskets made by Lamerie in 1724 for George Baille of Jerviswood and Mellerstain, one of which is now in the Collection of the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, the other was sold Sotheby’s, New York, The Jamie Ortiz-Patino Collection of Silver by Paul de Lamerie, 22 April 1998, lot 6.  The “raffia” model proved to be a highly successful form for Lamerie, and he is believed to have made as many as twelve of these baskets, with slightly varied borders, circa 1731.  A nearly identical oval basket by Lamerie dated 1731 is illustrated in Paul de Lamerie The Work of England’s master Silversmith (1688-1751), 1990, No. 57, p. 101. Another 1731 oval basket, engraved with the arms of Sir Robert Walpole is presently in the Gilbert Collection at the Victoria & Albert Museum, London.  A German copy, dated 1744, was sold Christie’s, London, 13 June 2001, lot 213, for £97,250.