J.E. Caldwell & Co VINTAGE ANTIQUE 925 Sterling Silver Large Unique Ornate "Bride's Basket" Early 1900's Victorian GORGEOUS One-of-a-Kind
This is an amazing piece of vintage history. Very ornate and detailed.
J.E. Caldwell & Co. opened in 1839 in Philadelphia, PA.
I have no information as to the year this piece was crafted but the identification marks might give a better clue.
However, these baskets were crafted from mid 1800's through early 19th century.
Per Photo: Bottom of base reads:
J.E.Caldwell & Co
Phila
STERLING
(makers mark symbol)
NS497n (has been etched in)
4015
30
Dimensions:
20-1/2" Tall
Inside basket - 12-1/2" x 8" (see photo)
Width of handle on the top is 1-3/4" wide
Diameter of base is 6-1/4"
Narrow portion of the basket stem is 8-5/8" around
The basket weighs 3lbs 4.7ozs (converts to 1494 grams)
The large engraved monogram on one side features a center letter "K" but I am unable to decipher the other two letters. Possibly an "A" and a "J".
The ornate pierced pattern has flowers & scrolls on each side of a medallion motif.
Four large medallions circle the base.
One large centered medallion is flanked on two sides by a smaller medallion.
Scalloped edges on the top of the basket give it a very feminine detail.
Scalloped edge and base edge has a small leaf "rope" design.
See all photos for details.
Basket has been cleaned and polished to the best of my ability but I would recommend a professional cleaner deal with all the "nooks & crannies" that need special care.
A glass insert is recommended if basket is to be used as a vase.
Surface scratches due to age but no visible dents or nicks.
HISTORY:
Bride’s baskets became extremely popular in the 1880s as a luxury gift for a bride on her wedding day.
An elegant expression of beauty, love and graciousness, silver baskets made were used in weddings in the
early 19th century by flower girls to scatter flower petals down the church aisle.
By the mid-1800s, wealthy brides used silver baskets during their wedding ceremony.
It was also customary to place the basket on the main table during the reception meal to showcase the bridal bouquet. Afterwards, the basket was used as a vase (smaller baskets were used to serve cake, sweets or fruit while entertaining.)
It was prominently displayed it as a centerpiece on their sideboard during elaborate dinners for friends & family.
Please contact me with ANY questions about this lovely piece of history.
I have described this piece to the best of my ability. Sotheby's estimated the value at $2500-$3500 this year.
FREE US SHIPPING but will require an adult signature.
5% discount is offered for a local pick up or for your own shipping method.
Please contact me for this information.
Returns & Exchanges
I gladly accept returns, exchanges, and cancellations
Just contact me within: 3 days of delivery
Ship items back to me within: 7 days of delivery
Questions about your order?
Please contact me if you have any problems with your order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wholesale availability
Wholesale pricing is available on certain ribbons and options are already within the listings.
Combined shipping for multiple orders
YES! I always combine orders and refund excess shipping - no need to contact me - I do it automatically.
Can you make me a special ribbon?
Minimum orders for jacquard ribbon from my factory start at 1000yds. I can certainly assist with this process but this is only for serious inquires. NO ONE will make you a personal jacquard ribbon for just a few yards but there are several companies on Etsy that offer to make ribbons in lesser quantities. Contact me with any questions.
Do you have faster shipping services?
I offer shipping upgrade options which you can choose your from your cart if needed. Upgrades are quoted HIGH since I don't know the weight of the order till it's been submitted but excess monies will be refunded. Upgrades are NOT REFUNDABLE if you choose to return an item. Please note that a shipping upgrade speeds up the delivery time but does not mean I will drop other orders to get your order out faster. For faster service please see the "Expedite My Order" listing:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1063323533/expedite-my-order-upgrade-listing-for
My order is showing "Pre-Transit" - what does that mean?
The postal service is dealing with issues regarding personnel shortages and high volumes of mail.
Until the packages are collected and scanned, "Pre-transit" means your package is somewhere waiting to move. Patience over delivery times is crucial - I believe everyone is doing their very best.
How fast do you ship out orders?
Most orders ship within 1-3 days.
Who pays return shipping if I change my mind?
Despite Etsy's policy that the buyer pays return shipping
I PAY RETURN SHIPPING FEES IN THE USA. Depending upon how much of the order you return I will "pro-rate" the return shipping. If you return the entire order I pay all costs. If you return part of the order then we will share in the expense. Contact me if you want to know more.
The reason for the return is not important - if you don't love it then I want it back. Someone else can use it! Request a return and a pre-paid label will be issued. It's a simple, fast & easy process for the buyer. Special order ribbons are not returnable so please request a free sample to be sure it will work for you.
NOTE: Shipping upgrades are not refundable.
International Sales Taxes
The buyer is responsible for any and all import taxes connected their sale. Each country is different - I have nothing to do with these taxes.
Reviews (1)
Average:
Apr 19, 2023
Thank You so much for this wonderful sterling basket. Packing was done very carefully! Thanks again! Maureen Decker.
Maureen Decker