A George II sterling silver sweetmeat basket, London 1754 by George Hunter (reg. 7th June 1748)

Of shaped circular form with a cast acanthus and gadrooned rim, all raised upon four shell and flower head feet. The detachable swing handle with cast and chased decoration of a rocaille cartouche with foliate scrolls reserved with fish scale, engraved with a crest of issuing from a ducal coronet a unicorn’s head. The sides with saw pierced decoration of foliate scrolls. Fully marked underneath, the handle unmarked.

Length – 12.2 cm / 4.75 inches

Weight – 208 grams / 6.69 ozt