Vintage Silver-Plated Footed Basket with Swing Handle

This item is a vintage silver-plated serving basket, characterized by its shallow, circular bowl and a rotating swing handle attached via pivot points on the rim. The vessel sits on a raised pedestal foot, giving it a formal, footed silhouette common in late 19th to early 20th-century hollowware. The interior well features an etched or chased decorative border with scalloped or floral patterns, while the center appears to have a more intricate, though faded, engraving. The handle is composed of dual curved metal wires meeting at the top, accented by small ball finials at the attachment joints. In terms of condition, the item shows significant wear and neglect; there is heavy surface oxidation, extensive tarnish, and visible green verdigris, particularly around the etched areas and the rim. The silver plating appears to be thinning, exposing the base metal beneath. The structural integrity of the handle seems intact, though the overall surface requires professional cleaning to reveal hidden hallmark stamps or maker's marks, which are likely located on the underside of the base. This piece reflects a Victorian or Edwardian aesthetic, typical of domestic silver-plate items used for presenting fruit or bread.