“Autumn and apple-picking are always paired thoughts in my mind, and the squared form of this basket when made by tinsmiths was used for apples, but this one is made from translucent cattle horn. The S-curved sides are engraved and pierced with the American national eagle and stars surrounded by leaves and blooming flowers very much in the manner of lady’s high back combs of the 1830s. I knew the hair comb industry was prolific, but horn baskets are unusual survivors. When I found this one in an antique shop, it was a natural fit for the collection. With a little help from Winterthur’s conservators to make new laces and stabilize the sides, it is now ready for display.”
Ann Wagner, senior curator
Basket, probably made in Rhode Island or Massachusetts, ca. 1830-50
Museum purchase with funds drawn from the Centenary Fund, 2016.0020