Old basket, wood bottom, a bit different construction

I have this large basket that I picked up in a local Massachusetts antique store. I have seen quite a few old baskets over the years but I'm no expert and I haven't seen another quite like this
Measures 15" across and 12" high at it it's tallest point, staved top and swinging bentwood handle with a wood bottom.
I'm thinking maybe an orchard harvest basket but not sure.
It's constructed on a slant so the opening is tilted to the side, it's not damaged, it's made this way.
Any ideas where/when it was made and the purpose ?
Thanks All !

 

Purpose might have been a display basket.
Shelf on top of shelf, baskets tilted to see the produce.
Only a guess.

 

That makes sense Cluttered, thank you.

 

Not sure of the purpose but that is a very cool old basket. Probably American / New England. Worthy of some more research. You have a good eye.

 

Closest I could find but not tilted. Scroll down to New England Woven Splint Basket ......

http://www.colonialsense.com/Antiques/Auction_Results/June,_2013.php

 

Thank you Brad. I had seen that one in my research and it was the closest I could find to mine. The patina on this basket is wonderful, something the camera doesn't truly catch. I just have never seen another tilted basket this old before, it just screamed 'You won't find another, take me home !' Price was cheap too.
Thanks again !

 

I am not used to NE Woodland baskets having wood bottoms...

So...I was thinking a type of Longaberger ..



Then this popped up.......but I can't confirm the description....or see the base.



19th century New Hampshire splint basket with a wood bottom.

 

Hi Cali, hope you don't mind, I sent your photos to a couple here on Cape Cod who are basket experts. They said it looks interesting, has some Nantucket features, but are still researching it. I may not have their final thoughts on it until the weekend. I will let you know

BTW, if you happen to be on Cape Cod this weekend and can stop by the glass show at the Cape Cod Community College in Barnstable, I will be selling there. Look for Marie's Memories. Here is a link to the show card you can print out for a $1 discount on admission:
http://www.capecodglassclub.org/about-us/

 

Hi Marie, of course I don't mind thank you for asking them. I thought it might have some Nantucket features but I wouldn't dream of it being an actual Lightship basket, that would just be too awesome !
I wish I could get to the Cape this weekend but I have some earlier plans that I must get to. I love the Cape this time of year so if I make a trip down there soon I will let you know.
Thanks again for the help and if you need additional pics let me know.

Komo, that second basket looks very similar, thank you.

 

Yes , it does.
In all aspects.
I wish I could see it better , & the bottom.

I too looked at Nantucket baskets straight away because of the wood base....but I could not find one ...early one....that had the same construction.....style , or materials.

 

I have seen that odd shape on baskets from New Hampshire and they were called field gathering baskets.

 

OK, so this is what my friends said...

They feel the shape was caused by a typical berry gathering or egg gathering basket holding something heavy that caused the basket to distort. They do not believe it was made at that angle. Looking at the photos of the bottom I am inclined to agree. Looking at one end vs. the other, it looks like one is compressed and the other extended.

They think it is not a Nantucket basket because Nantucket baskets have "ears" where the handle is attached, not rivets.

They think it was possibly made by a basket maker working in western Mass in Hancock in the Shaker style, Ben Higgins. They suggest you look at his work. They believe it has some age and is a sweet piece.

They think they could tell you more if they could see it in person. If you get a chance to come to the Cape let me know, I can arrange for us to meet with them

And they did say your photos are wonderful!

 

Thank you Marie, I really appreciate it !

Edited to add that one reason I thought it was made in this shape is because the wood bottom is more oval than round, not sure if that matters though.

 

If you ever do get a chance to let them examine it in person please resurrect this thread & let us know what they tell you.

Peggy

 

I will Peggy.

 

One of my favorite threads this week. Yes, do keep us posted! It is a great basket.

 

I have looked at your photos several times, but just now I noticed you had a supervisor on the job keeping a very close eye on the project.

Peggy

 

I will Lucille.
Yes Peggy, my little female cat Shelby can't resist a basket or box.

 

My poor departed Bella liked jewelry

 

Sorry, forgot to add the photo...