Nantucket Round Purse by Jose Formoso Reyes, circa 1950

Nantucket Cocktail Purse by Jose Formoso Reyes, circa 1950, a very early Nantucket diminutive oval woven purse made during the first few years Reyes was m...

Nantucket Basket by Harry Hilbert, 1995, a Nantucket purse having a solid mahogany hinged top with colonial or federal style stenciled decoration on ebonized reserve, fine brass hinges minutely inlaid, and tropic wood cross-band inlay around perimeter; double carved wooden swing handles attached with bone mounts; nickel clasp; two tone woven cane wrap on oak staves; signed and dated by wood-burnt stamp on the mahogany bottom. This is a beautiful basket made with astounding craftsmanship by one of the finest artists in the field. The basket remains in superb, barely used condition. I found one scuff above the stenciled reserve. Harry Hilbert (1917 – 2010) was an acclaimed Nantucket Basket maker known for his fine inlay and superb craftsmanship. He originally made his baskets as personal gifts, but later sold them through Wayne Pratt...

With a dark rich patina. Made with oak staves, handle and a mahogany base. In excellent condition. Attributed to Sherwin Porter Boyer (1907-1964). Measures: 6”.    

7 ½” open round Nantucket lightship basket with brass ears , “R Folger Maker Nantucket, Mass” is stenciled on the interior bottom, circa 1875 Rowland Folger (1803-1883).