A George III Silver Bread Basket, John Wakelin and William Taylor, 1790

circular, the openwork sides formed as reeded lattice, with rope band upper rim and rope twist swing handle, the base chased with band of stiff leaves, center engraved with contemporary crest and coronet, marked on base and with scratch weight 38"3

several repairs where baskete weave joins rim but can be fixed, slight wear overall
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any stat.mes nt made by Replica Shoes 's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The crest is that of Somerset under a marquess's coronet for Henry Charles (1766-1854), Marquess of Worcester, who succeeded as Duke of Beaufort in 1803.  In 1791, corresponding  to the date of this basket, he married Charlotte Sophia, daughter of Granville Leveson-Gower, 1st Marquess of Stafford.  The Duke  was Vice Admiral of Gloucester, became a Knight of the Garter in 1805, and at the coronation of William IV in 1831 he bore the crown of the Queen Consort.  He was named High Steward of Bristol in 1834, a title he held until his death.  According to the Complete Peerage, "he was a man of generous disposition, plain and straightforward in his speech, punctual in his dealings, and of strict integrity.  he was kind and open in his manner, very benevolent in his conduct, and always willing to oblige."

As the Marquess of Worcester he appears in the Wakelin & Taylor ledgers (Luke Schrager, "The royal and aristocratic patronage of Wakelin & Taylor," Silver Studies  2006, p. 100).  This basket may be the "one bread basket" (no weight given) listed by James Cox of Tetbury in the inventory of plate at Badminton in 1835, after the death of the 6th Duke (reproduced Silver Society Journal Supplement, Autumn 1995, p. 27).