Wood and Hughes Antique Coin Silver 'Medallion' Basket, NYC, NY, c. 1865-1870

This lovely swing-handle basket is a wonderful design and a great example of coin silver produced in the 'Medallion' line. Classicism abounds with the various decorative elements including a bold, beaded join at the top of the handle with a series of beads on each side. The bases of the arcs have wonderful scroll devices with leaves. This element is repeated to decorate and support the stunning, large oval medallions on the ends.

Nearly identical medallions by Duhme & Co are identified in Silver Medallion Flatware by D. Albert Soeffing as "Mercury with his traveling hat adorned with wings." (p.36) In the center of the oval bowl is a large, circular medallion of a woman with flowing hair against a stippled background. The exterior of the basket has a reflective, plain surface engraved on one side with the initial 'G.' The oval, stepped pedestal base has an applied ornamental band around its foot.

This wonderful antique coin silver basket is marked 'W&H' and '900/1000.' It measures 14 inches across the medallions by 8.5 inches wide by 10.25 inches tall to the top of the handle. It weighs 26.25 troy ounces and is in very good antique condition.