Vintage Nantucket Cocktail Basket by William Severns with Polished Ivory Top
InformationVintage Nantucket Purse with branded signature within circular border “W. SEVRENS ASSOC. Nantucket on the inside of the bottom base. Next to the brand is a partial impression of the back of a penney. The basket has a solid ivory oval plaque mounted to the top of the lid. 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 tapers on both sides from the middle and at the end the handle widens 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. (FA1207)
Condition: The basket is in excellent condition and has a mellow patina.
Dimensions: Width of rim 7 1/2 Inches, Width of ivory side knobs 9 Inches, Height to top of basket 4 1/2 Inches, Height from bottom to top of handle 8 Inches.
William Severns (1916-2001) began making his signature baskets in the 1920s. His signature consists of a penny embedded in the bottom of each basket he wove. According to the Nantucket Lightship Basket Museum, "William "Bill" Sevrens was born in Boston, Massachusetts on June 12, 1916. He was the son of Chester Stanley Sevrens and Nantucket native Marion Cook Sevrens. William Sevrens had many connections to the history of Nantucket. He was a direct descendent of Tristram Coffin who led investors in 1659 to purchase Nantucket from Thomas Mayhew and settle the island. Sevrens was also the great grandson of Captain Henry Coleman, of Sconset. Sevrens visited the island every summer from birth. After his father passed away, his mother brought the family back to the island, where he graduated high school in 1933. At a young age, he visited the shop of well-known local character and fourth generation basket maker Mitchy Ray, where he was introduced to basket making.
circa 1995
