Sterling Basket at a Neighborhood Sale

[maxiebaby0914]

I went to an annual neighborhood sale in my area this weekend and I almost didn't go because it's usually the same 4 houses that set up every year and it's the same stuff. I was surprised to see a neighbor setting up that never had one before. The couple were bringing things out from their garage and placing it on tables. It didn't look too promising but I got out of the car anyways to get a closer look. I'm glad I did because this silver basket was sitting there all dirty and grimy. I turned it over and to my surprise, it was marked "Sterling". I asked the gentleman how much and he said $4. I was shocked to find this piece since the neighborhood sale had started an hour before. The couple must have had a late start in setting up. About a half hour later, while driving back, I noticed the couple had a rush of people stop and were looking at their tables. I guess I stopped just in time!
The Reed & Barton basket weighs 10.5 oz. It has a couple of small dents.

* Does anyone know how old this could be?

 

[FriscoT06]

That is a large chunk of silver. Congrats!

 

[JimDon]

Great find. 1920's would be my guess.

 

[captain flintlock]

Talk about perfect timing! Great find and for $4.00! I'm jealous.

 

[DFW_THer]

*drooling

 

[btripp6]

Wish I could get that lucky!!

Great deal and beautiful piece!

 

[Itsmine]

Looks like a brides basket to me. Usually they would have a glass insert, which is why a lot of them were only decorated on the edges. Would love to see it polished up. Usually Reed and Barton made a lot of Silverplate baskets. I would imagine this would bring top dollar on the market....

 

[Beachkid23]

Possibly a fruit basket also? . I had something similar. I scrapped mine though. It was over a lb.

 

[tamrock]

Nice solid piece of silver. Definitely worth more than scrap. Clean it carefully, as it surely will intensified the beauty and value of it.

 

[Lost&Found]

Nice find. Here's a link for dating Reed&Barton Looks like 1942 to me

Reed & Barton Sterling Date Marks - Encyclopedia of Silver Marks, Hallmarks & Makers' Marks

 

[scruggs]

It’s beautiful, good eye!

 

[maxiebaby0914]

Possibly a fruit basket also? . I had something similar. I scrapped mine though. It was over a lb.

~Yours was over a lb ?! Wow.. This basket is my biggest Sterling find yet. I noticed it's getting harder to find nice Sterling pieces. Do you ever regret not keeping yours? Just wondering..

 

[maxiebaby0914]

Nice find. Here's a link for dating Reed&Barton Looks like 1942 to me

Reed & Barton Sterling Date Marks - Encyclopedia of Silver Marks, Hallmarks & Makers' Marks

~ Thank you Lost&Found for the date marks info. I checked it out and I think my basket is before 1928. It has a number hallmark "326 A"
That would be neat if it was antique!

 

[maxiebaby0914]

Nice solid piece of silver. Definitely worth more than scrap. Clean it carefully, as it surely will intensified the beauty and value of it.

~ Thank you tamrock! I consider the basket as my "Garage Sale Trophy" for 2017. ��