Ask About | Book Appointment - 1st Period Worcester / Dr. Wall Period Chestnut Basket & Stand circa 1770

1st period Worcester / Dr. Wall period chestnut basket, stand and cover, “Pine Cone” pattern, circa 1770.  Worcester was established in 1751 at Warmstry House, Worcester, England.  The first period is often referred to as the Dr. Wall period (1751-76) after John Wall, one of the founders and major shareholders.

A chestnut basket was used to serve hot chestnuts; a popular dessert in the 18th century.  The pierced lid allowed steam to escape to ensure that the chestnuts would not become soggy.  The stand (base) was to keep condensation from the hot basket from damaging a wood table surface.

The dish is moulded to resemble a basket, with applied flowers on the twig form handles.  The floor of the basket and stand are painted with bouquets of flowers, fruits, chestnuts and pine cones, hence the pattern name.

Both the stand and basket are identified by the blue crescent mark on the bottom.

The basket only is 8 1/4” (21cm) by 5 1/2” (14cm), 3” (7.6cm) high.

The stand is 11” (28cm) by 8 5/8” (22cm).

$1800.

Condition:  Fair

There is minor loss to petals and leaves on both the basket and stand.  The cover has a hairline crack, noticeable mostly from underneath.  

Wear consistent with age and use.

First period Worcester,  Dr. John Wall period is circa 1751-76.  

For the full history, please refer to the Royal Worcester Museum article:

https://www.museumofroyalworcester.org/discover-learn/research/factories/dr-wall-the-first-factory/