Nest of Seven Nantucket Baskets a few Branded and signed by "William J. Rotch", American last quarter 19th Century, This formed round baskets have nicely shaped oak swing handles. The handles attache to high rounded oak ears with metal rivets. All of the rivets are sized proportionately to the basket size and have rounded metal heads on the outside of the ear and metal washers on the inside. All the handles have the same shape which is wide at the base and extends at an even width for a short distance and then there is a curve at opposite ends which reduces the width of each handle which then tapers on both ends and becomes widest at the center of the handles top. The ears extend above the double wrapped woven oak basket rim and each wood ear extends below the rim with angle skived slices on opposite sides of the exposed ear. This carved feature is shared with all seven baskets. The base plates appear to be maple. One basket is branded in block lettering on underside "William J. Rotch" and another basket is inscribed twice in ink on one of handles "M.E. Rotch".
Dimensions of the basket Rim Diameters: Smallest to largest 4 3/4, 6 1/4, 8 1/8, 10 3/4, 11 1/4. 12 1/2, Inches
Heights to rim from 3 1/2" to 8 1/8" Inches
Condition: The smallest basket is a bit lighter in coloration which is normal because it received the least amount of light which darkens the baskets over time and all of the other elements of the basket match the other six. All of the baskets were made by the same maker and share many characteristics. This early set of baskets has a warm deep age patina. There are a few broken pieces of the cane wrap scattered amongst a few baskets. Created as a set, though some of the baskets don't sit perfectly flush. Some small breaks, scratches and other wear commensurate with age and use. The next to largest basket has a small wood loss on the edge of the handle. This basket is signed twice neat the top of the handle on opposite ends ""W.E. Roctch" who was most likely the owner. The third smallest basket is branded "William J. Rotch"on the bottom.
