Look closely — she's full of life. Birds, butterflies, dragonflies, and honeybees wander through engraved flowers across her bowl, hallmarks of the Aesthetic Movement's love affair with the natural world. The Aviary is a silver-plated bride's basket from James W. Tufts of Boston, one of the celebrated American silversmiths of the 1880s, with a swinging handle crowned by an ornate pediment and pierced fretwork feet below. Bride's baskets were the wedding gift of their era, made to hold fruit and flowers at a newlywed's table — she was given with love once, and she's ready to be again.
JJames W. Tufts, Boston, mold 2741, circa 1880s — her base carries his star mark and "Warranted Quadruple Plate," the heaviest silver plating made, which is why her details are still this crisp. Even her underside is engraved edge to edge in feathered scrollwork; the Aesthetic Movement didn't believe in plain surfaces. Approx. 10” to top of handle, 10" across. Handle swings freely; pediment and feet intact. Soft age tarnish, never over-polished.
