Description
Silver Swing Handled Basket
English antique sterling silver swing handled basket or sugar bowl, hallmarked from London in 1882 with the makers mark being that of Thomas Bradbury & Sons.
Two small dinks (very minor) and slight marks to the interior base that will require a more in-depth polish.
Measures 125x83mm and with the handle in the upright position it stands 133mm tall.
DATE | 1882 |
MAKER or SPONSOR MARK | Thomas Bradbury & Sons |
ASSAY OFFICE | London |
WEIGHT (Grammes) | 148 |
WEIGHT (Troy) | 4.75 |
REF:- | 581F |
In short, bowls have been used for thousands of years. Indeed, the oldest discovery is of a bowl more than 18,000 years old. Further, bowls are a member of the family of hollowware along with items like kettles, jugs and pots. Consequently, bowls have been found in tombs worldwide and artefacts discovered show that silver has been popular for creating bowls for many years. Silver bowls have been found from the times of Ancient Greece, Egypt and Rome.
The Greeks used bowls which included small items known as phiales or pateras, and also bowl-shaped cups for drinking called kylices.
In time, the more durable silver became commonplace as a material from which to manufacture bowls. However, initially, the cost of the silver and the craftsmanship involved meant that these items were restricted to the wealthy classes.