Vintage Large Nantucket Basket with 1978 Penny and Heavy Ivory Baleen Carved Whale on Ivory Plaque
InformationVintage Nantucket Purse with branded signature within 0val border with an image of a lightship named “Nantucket on the Hull and “Leichter below. Mounted into the center of the oval base is a 1976 penny which indicates the year the basket was made. The basket has a oval rosewood top with a thick walrus ivory rectangular plaque with steep beveled sides. Mounted to the top of the plaque is a ivory carved right whale. Mounted to the inside if the basket is oval ivory owners’ plaque. The plaque has a polychrome scrimshaw border with the initials “NHS” at the center. The basket has oak rims on the top and basket base. The basket has oak ribs and rattan weave. The swing oak handle is curved and attaches on both sides to the lower oak rim. The handle attaches to the basket with turned ivory knobs and washers with metal hardware. At the front of the basket is a wrapped leather top loop which fits into a second wrapped loop which is attached to the bottom rim. The lid locks by placing the small turned ivory fid on a woven safety cord through the loops. Mounted to the top and bottom on the back of the basket is a pair of leather cane wrapped loops which act like a pair of rear hinges. (FA1208)
Condition: The basket is in excellent condition and shows only modest signs of ware. It has a warm deep age patina.
Dimentions: Heith to top of basket 8 1/2 Inches, Height from base to top of handle 13 1/4 Inches, Width of rim 10 1/2 Inches, Width between ivory pins 12 1/4 Inches
Provenance: The plaque inside the lid has the initials “NHS” for the owner Nina Hellman. Nina was a prominent Nantucket Marine antiques dealer who specialized and rote boos on scrimshaw. It is likely that this basket attended more antiques auctions than any other Nantucket basket.
Biography of Maker: R.J. Leichter was a recognized Nantucket basket maker, known for creating collectible, traditional Lightship Baskets often featuring intricate scrimshaw and ivory carvings, identifiable by his brand mark and signature on the wooden base or ivory fittings. While not as famous as figures like José Reyes or Jerry Brown, Leichter contributed to the rich history of these unique woven baskets, which originated from lightship sailors and are treasured for their craftsmanship and island heritage.
1978
