Antique Victorian Repoussé Mermaid Bread Basket

This antique Victorian bread basket is truly spectacular! The exceptionally detailed repoussé border features what appear to be mermaids and mermen among urns, flowers, corn and elaborate scrolling flourishes. There is so much to discover within the design, and the raised shaped border gives it a wonderful presence on a table or sideboard.

The underside bears a series of worn hallmarks that appear consistent with marks associated with George Richmond Collis & Co., a highly regarded Birmingham manufacturer active from 1835 to 1888. The firm produced fine silver and decorative silverplate and exhibited its work at the Great Exhibition of 1851. Because the maker’s emblem is heavily worn, I am describing the piece as possibly attributed to George Richmond Collis & Co. rather than making a definitive identification.

A beautiful mid-19th-century silver-on-copper basket for displaying fruit, bread or flowers—or simply enjoying as a statement centerpiece. It measures 11.5" x 9".

Antique condition with some wear to the silver on the base and a few areas where copper is showing through. Otherwise excellent antique condition.