RARE PIERCE CARVED WHALEBONE BASKET with a swing handle. Oval shaped with a mahogany bottom. Nice large size measuring 9.50" l. x 7" w. x 4" deep. Overall height with the handle up 8.25". Overall condition very good noting an old, unusual and very well done repair on the handle which was executed using sterling silver. Workmanship done by a skilled craftsman or an actual silversmith. Sheets of silver were pierced to match the pattern on the rest of the handle then were applied to both sides and fastened with silver pins. All the whalebone is visible in the area so it was probably just a simple crack that needed reinforcement. In my opinion it does not detract at all from the basket and actually looks quite nice. Overall very attractive with pattern created using intersecting circles that are bordered by half moon and diamond designs. Whalebone with excellent age color throughout. Circa 1840-50.