Large Oval Nantucket Basket by William Hosier, with Apposing Hinged Mahogany Lids Circa 1862
InformationMassachusetts, 19th century, hickory ribs and handle, mahogany lids, partial label to underside of base reads "Ma--/Willia----dwin Hosier/Nantucket/Sold me by Mrs. Brown of/the Quaker Antique shop."The bottom of the basket is stamped "77". The basket is quite unique with its flanking two mahogany hinged lids and the shaped oak handle that was woven into the cane wrap and attaching in the basket rim on both ends. At opposite ends there are the original metal small eye and hooks to secure the closure of the basket. (FA1230)
Publication: This basket is pictured in Nantucket Lightship Baskets by Katherine and Edgar Seeler, 1972, fig. 30, p. 74. The accompanying text reads "There is a note on the bottom saying this was made by "William Hadwen Hosier." The basket in the preceding plate was also made by him." The text accompanying the preceding plate reads "On the outside of the bottom is a note that this was made by Mr. Hosier from Millbrook Farm." A HABS report on the Elihu Coleman house lists William Hosier as the owner of the property "known as the Hosier Farm in Mill Brook Country" in 1862. This basket is also pictured in The Magazine Antiques, May 1999, p.724.
Dimensions: Height 7 3/4 Inches, Diameter 12 1/4 Inches, Diameter 5 3/4 Inches
Provenance: Wayne Pratt, Inc., Nantucket, Massachusetts, November 1996 (accompanied by copy of receipt for $15,000); Collection of Dr. George and Connie Manger
Condition: The basket is in excellent condition and has a warm deep patina.
circa 1862
