Jose Formoso Reyes "Cocktail Purse" Nantucket Basket, circa 1950

Early Vintage Mattapoisett Basket, likely by Gladys Ellis, Mid 20th Century, a hand-crafted basket modeled after a Nantucket purse, having a flat oval "clamshell" lid hinged above an oval body, made of hand-stitched longleaf pine needles and raffia in braided and lace-like arrangements, with two braided raffia handles, a stitched hinge, and a silk lined interior, not signed. This is one of her very early baskets made before she started adding ivory tops and fixtures. The basket remains in strong original condition with no discernible breaks to the weave. There may have once been a loop closure at one point. Measures: 5-1/4 in H x 9 in L x 6-1/4 in W A local adaptation of a Nantucket basket first designed by Gladys Ellis (Mattapoisett: 1917 – 2011). The Mattapoisett basket is made in the shape and nature of a Nantucket basket, but uses southern yellow or longleaf pine needles and raffia coiled and sewn on a frame with a lace-like effect, often incorporating scrimshaw panels on the top and sides, sometimes as well as clasps and handle knobs...

Nantucket Basket by Harry Hilbert, 1995, a Nantucket purse having a solid mahogany hinged top with colonial or federal style stenciled decoration on ebonized reserve, fine brass hinges minutely inlaid, and tropic wood cross-band inlay around perimeter; double carved wooden swing handles attached with bone mounts; nickel clasp; two tone woven cane wrap on oak staves; signed and dated by wood-burnt stamp on the mahogany bottom. This is a beautiful basket made with astounding craftsmanship by one of the finest artists in the field. The basket remains in superb, barely used condition. I found one scuff above the stenciled reserve. Harry Hilbert (1917 – 2010) was an acclaimed Nantucket Basket maker known for his fine inlay and superb craftsmanship. He originally made his baskets as personal gifts, but later sold them through Wayne Pratt...

Antique and extremely rare Nantucket "double lollipop" basket, circa 1900, a shallow oval swing handled basket with carved wooden staves, handle and bottom plate, and cane weave. The...

Very Early Nantucket lightship basket, circa 1860, an oval open basket with wide splint staves, split wood rim, cane weave, solid birch bottom plate, and sha...