Sensational
10th Anniversary
Tin Basket
Bursting with Velvet Fruit 

American, the basket ca. 1820-1860, the velvet fruit antique to vintage.

This basket is a superior example of a classic 19th century tenth anniversary gift. The tenth, or "tin" anniversary, was one of great celebration. Whimsical gifts, made by professional tin smiths, were often presented to the married couple. Tin symbolized the durability and flexibility of a decade of marriage. It is elaborately designed in a Federal style, meticulously hand-made by a master tin-smith, retaining a rich dark patina. A finer example is unlikely to be found.

The charming assortment of beautiful velvet fruits are a delightful example of decorative and functional folk art. These fruits were very popular as both whimsical home decorations and practical sewing pin cushions. They were stuffed with sawdust, emery powder, or even horsehair to provide weight and pin-holding capability, while the soft velvet exterior added tactile appeal and visual charm. Such velvet fruit arrangements were commonly displayed in bowls, baskets, or on mantels.

The basket stands about 10 inches tall x 8 ½ diameter, in superb condition as are the fruits. Provenance: the basket twenty years ago from Judy Wilson, Wiscasset, Maine to a fine Midwestern collection; the fruit carefully selected since then.