Reed & Barton Octagonal Silver-Plated Bride's Basket

This is a vintage silver-plated bride's basket or pedestal bowl manufactured by Reed & Barton. Given the sharp, geometric lines and the octagonal form, it exemplifies the Art Deco influence of the 1930s or 1940s. The bowl features a paneled, eight-sided construction with a matching octagonal pedestal base. Highlighting the upper rim is a decorative band of reticulated or pierced fleur-de-lis and geometric cutouts, which adds elegance to the utilitarian form. A hinged handle is attached via foliate-style brackets on the exterior rim, allowing for easy transport as a fruit or sweetmeat basket. The material appears to be silver-plated hollowware, showcasing a significant amount of tarnish (patina) across the interior and exterior surfaces. There is visible wear and dulling of the finish, suggesting the base metal may be surfacing in high-friction areas. The craftsmanship is consistent with mid-century American silver manufacturing, emphasizing structured symmetry and high-quality assembly. While no hallmark is visible in the image, the provided context confirms the Reed & Barton maker. The condition is fair, requiring a professional cleaning and polishing to restore its original luster, though no major dents or structural misshaping are immediately apparent.