This exceptional antique George III Scottish sterling silver sugar/bon bon basket has a plain oval boat-shaped form onto an oval pedestal foot.
The plain body of this antique silver basket is embellished with engraved and undulating pin struck decoration to the upper portion.
The rim of the body is ornamented with an applied border.
This sugar basket retains the original reed decorated swing handle.
The pedestal foot is encompassed with engraved decoration, replicating that to the body.
This piece bears a maker's mark (IG - James Gordon)and Aberdeen town mark (ABD), rather than a full set of British assay hallmarks. Silver produced in Aberdeen during the 18th and early 19th centuries was often marked locally, as silversmiths worked outside the main Glasgow and Edinburgh assay offices. To avoid the cost and inconvenience of sending items away for formal assaying, many makers used provincial town marks or their own punches instead. As a result, it is entirely consistent for Aberdeen silver of this period to bear local or partial marks rather than the complete British hallmark system seen in other regions.
This 18th century silver sugar basket is an elegant and historically significant table piece, reflecting the refinement and social rituals of Georgian dining. Originally used for serving sugar at formal gatherings, its simplistic decoration and graceful handle combine practicality with decorative appeal, making it a distinguished addition to a fine antique silver collection or period interior.
Maker: James Gordon
Date: Circa 1795
