A George II silver basket, William Cripps, London, 1756

shaped oval, with heavily cast and pierced panel supports, base and lip, the centre engraved with a rococo cartouche enclosing a later crest and motto, pierced sides, the cast swing handle with Oriental caryatids, foliage, flowers and the head of an infant Mercury

Good clear marks to underside, handle clearly part-marked with maker's mark only. Nice gauge. Engraving crisp and contemporary. Good condition.
"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."

The crest and motto are those of Schuster, probably for a member of the 19th and early 20th century London-based banking family of that name.

Compare the infant Mercury head enclosed within similar scrolls and foliage on the handle of this basket with another, Paul de Lamerie, London, 1742, from the collection of John Sheldon, sold Sotheby's, London, 24 October 1985, lot 100.