Preliminary identification
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Overview
A classic hand-woven maple splint picnic basket featuring double swing handles and a solid wood lid. This piece represents the height of the American home-decor basketry craze, complete with the official 'Longaberger Woodcrafts' brand on the underside of the lid.
Story
In 1973, Dave Longaberger founded a basket-making empire in Ohio, reviving his father's traditional hand-weaving techniques. By the 1990s, these baskets became a massive cultural phenomenon, collected by millions of people across America.
Maker / Origin
The Longaberger Company was famous for its hand-woven maple wood baskets, which were sold through a direct-marketing home show model. At its peak, the company employed thousands of local artisans in Ohio and even built a famous seven-story corporate headquarters shaped like a giant picnic basket.
Condition & Value
The basket appears to be in very good vintage condition with minor surface wear on the wood lid and handles. The maple splints look intact without any major breaks or splits. Excellent preservation of the wood stain. Value is driven by the presence of the original wood lid and the overall condition of the weave.
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.