Nantucket 10 Inch Purse Branded on the base with Stephen Gibbs Logo with Rosewood Top and carved whale Ivory Sperm Whale.
InformationNantucket 8 Inch Oval Cocktail Purse Branded on the bottom of the base within a circle “S. Gibbs Maker Nantucket Mass”. The basket has a finely grained Cherry Top and probably cherry maple base. Mounted to the top Is a finely carved whale ivory half whale with articulated fluke fin, eye and teeth. Mounter to, the interior of the lid is a ivory quarter board with the name "Joane H. Blackburn" scrimshaw engraved in script. The swing oak handle is widest at the center at the corners and begins to taper. About two inches from the bottom swells again to an attractive ending where it attaches to the basket rim. The handle attaches to the basket with turned ivory knobs and washers with copper hardware. At the front of the basket is a wrapped leather top loop which fits into a lower ivory loop which continues down in a thin ivory tapered shape. The lid locks by placing the small turned ivory fid on a woven safety cord through the loops. This long ivory closure is a feature found in most Gibbs baskets. Mounted to the top and bottom on the back of the basket is a pair of leather cane wrapped loops which act like a pair of rear hinges.
Condition: The basket is in excellent condition and has a mellow patina.
Dimensions: diameter of rim 8”, Width of ivory side knobs 9”, Height to top of basket 6 1/4”, Height from base to top of handle extended 9 ½””
Biography of Maker: Stephen Gibbs and his wife Loretta operated a basket shop for 20 years where they made and sold lightship baskets. The shop was located at the rear of his brother-in-law’s house on Madaket Road. The couple also ran a small bed and breakfast out of the house he was raised in to supplement their income. This house is located on the corner of Ash Lane and North Water Street. Prior to his basket work Stephen Gibbs was an accomplished woodworker and builder on Nantucket, giving him the knowledge to make all of the components for his baskets. After he suffered a heart attack, he turned to the less physical work of making Nantucket baskets, with general focus on ladies handbags.
Although it is said that Stephen Gibbs is mainly a self taught Nantucket basket maker, he was introduced to basketry when as a small boy Stephen’s mother had him bring supper to Mitchy Ray, once in a while. Mitchy Ray was a well known island character, as well as a third generation Nantucket basket maker, whose neighbors were accustomed to looking after the confirmed bachelor.
Stephen Gibbs is considered possible the finest of all the earlier period of Nantucket purse making.
Stephen Gibbs wove baskets for 20 years from 1954 until he passed away in 1974; his baskets are among the finest woven and highest quality of this time period. Mr. Gibbs used oak for his staves and frequently placed a long ivory clasp to hold the peg on his purses. This clasp has become a trademark of a Gibbs baskets. Stephen Gibbs’ nephew, Douglas Porschet, has been quoted as saying, “they were always two years behind in orders.” Some would call a Gibbs basket indestructible. Ask any current weaver who has completed a repair on one of Mr. Gibbs’ baskets!
