This is a wonderful piece of history.A solid sterling silver bread basket, dating from the reign on George III in truly excellent condition.It is clearly hallmarked for London 1812, with the maker''s mark for Rebecca Emes & Edward Barnard I. The body of the basket features a gadrooned border, which is reflected around the pedestal base. The handle, which is firmly attached, has foliate details to the base of the arms and further foliate decoration encompassing a vacant cartouche at the top. There is a long inscription reflecting the donation of this basket to the Revered Charles Barlee on the death of The Duchess Dowager of Chandos in 1813. The inscription contains two separate coats of arms. There is a further coat of arms with the letter ''W'' at the front of the basket and a separate inscription ''presented to MFW from RHW'' dated 1857 on the other side.The Duchess Dowager of Charndos was Elizabeth, 3rd wife of Henry Brydges who was the 2nd Duke of Chandos and who l...