A spectacular Victorian bride's basket from the golden age of American silverplate, circa 1885–1895. These ornate centerpieces were the fashionable wedding gift of the era — and this one survives with both its original glass bowl and frame, which is increasingly hard to find.

Dimensions (assembled): height - 11.5", width/depth: 9.5". The bowl itself is 9.5x9.5" with height of 3.5".

The bowl is hand-blown satin cased glass: a soft white exterior enclosing a shaded interior that deepens from pale blush to rich cranberry red at the rim. The edge is exuberantly crimped and ruffled in the finest Victorian art glass tradition, and the satin (acid-matte) finish gives it a silky, luminous glow. Bowls of this type are attributed to the great American art glass houses of the period, such as Mt. Washington and their contemporaries.

The frame is quadruple silverplate by the Meriden Britannia Co. of Meriden, Connecticut — the largest and most prestigious American silverplate maker of the 19th century (later a founding company of International Silver in 1898). It is fully marked on the underside with the Meriden B. Company scale-in-shield trademark, the "Meriden Britannia Co. Quadruple" roundel, and "SPECIAL." The stand features a repoussé band of stylized blossoms, four scrolled feet with cast laurel swags and beadwork, and a tall twisted swing handle with ornamental grip.

Condition: very good antique condition. The glass bowl is free of chips and cracks, has some minor cosmetic imperfections. The silverplate shows honest age: minor plate wear, and patina to the underside consistent with 130+ years — see photos, which form part of the description. A dramatic centerpiece for fruit, holiday displays, or simply as a sculptural piece of Victorian glamour on a sideboard.

Category	Plates & dishes