Victorian Cobalt Blue Glass and Silver-Plated Bride's Basket, c.1890

Story

Victorian wedding guests in the late 1800s showered brides with these delicate baskets, which were then placed on parlor tables to signal a new household's refined taste. The striking cobalt blue glass was specifically chosen to glow dramatically under the era's newly introduced gas lighting.

Maker / Origin

While the maker of this specific frame is unidentified without a clear hallmark, companies like Wilcox Silver Plate Co. in America and various silversmiths in Birmingham, England, dominated this market. They specialized in combining industrial electroplating techniques with artistic glass imports from Bohemia or local glassworks to create affordable luxury for the rising middle class.

Condition & Value

The silver plating shows minor surface wear and tarnish consistent with age, but no major plate loss or 'bleeding' of the base metal. The cobalt glass liner appears free of major chips or cracks, which is excellent as these liners are highly prone to damage.