Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Swing Handle Basket Sheffield 1894 Rm Eh

Antique Victorian sterling silver basket manufactured in 1894 by the silversmith firm Richard Martin & Ebenezer Hall (Martin, Hall & Co.) in Sheffield, England. The basket features an oval form constructed with a wirework body. The upper rim is shaped and finished with a decorative beaded edge. A hinged swing handle is attached to the sides, featuring a central rope-twist design that transitions into flat strapwork at the attachment points. The interior base of the basket is a solid silver polished surface, while the exterior wirework frame is applied with naturalistic cast silver decorations depicting trailing flowers and foliage. The basket sits on an oval, four round feet. Four distinct hallmarks are struck on the interior of the rim: the maker’s mark "RM EH" within a diamond, the Sheffield crown town mark, the lion passant standard mark for sterling silver, and the lowercase date letter "b" corresponding to the year 1894. The silver surfaces exhibit a reflective finish with minor surface wear and oxidation consistent with the age of the metal. Approximate Dimensions & Weight: Length: 29.5 x 22.5 x 5.3 cm  495 grams