Preliminary identification
Photo reference
5 uploaded photos
Overview
This is a classic hand-woven hardwood maple basket designed specifically as an insulated ice bucket, complete with its original turned wood lid and plastic interior liner. Made in Ohio, it represents the height of the American home-party direct-sales movement that turned utilitarian basketry into highly prized collectibles.
Story
In 2003, this basket was hand-woven in Ohio, carrying on a family weaving tradition started by J.W. Longaberger during the Great Depression. Each piece was signed by its maker, turning a simple ice bucket into a personal connection.
Maker / Origin
The Longaberger Company was founded in 1973 by Dave Longaberger in Dresden, Ohio, building on his father's heritage of hand-weaving utilitarian baskets. At its peak, the company employed thousands of local artisans and was famous for its iconic, basket-shaped corporate headquarters building in Newark, Ohio.
Condition & Value
The basket is in excellent vintage condition with very light wear to the wood. The wood lid and metal knob are intact with minimal scuffing, and the plastic insulated liner is present and clean. Excellent condition with all original components commands the higher end of the value range. Value is driven by completeness and condition.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.