What were table baskets used for?

These baskets served practical dining functions, holding fresh fruit, bread, sugar, or sweetmeats during formal meals. They acted as functional centrepieces that doubled as decorative focal points on the dining table. Over time, their uses adapted to accommodate changing domestic habits, shifting from utility items to ornamental display pieces holding potpourri or floral arrangements.

How should I clean silver baskets?

Maintenance requires gentle cleaning with a soft cloth and specialised silver polish to preserve the delicate pierced details and repoussé relief work. Abrasive cleaners must be avoided to prevent wearing down the silver surface or silver plate. Glass liners should be removed and washed separately in warm soapy water before being dried and returned safely to the metal frame.

Are glass liners original?

Original glass liners fit snugly into the metal framework and match the period characteristics of the silver or silver-plated basket. Cranberry, vaseline, and cobalt liners were standard pairings for specific serving dishes of the era. Matching the contours of the glass to the interior dimensions of the basket helps confirm its period authenticity.