What makes a vintage willow basket beautiful? Patina! You can always tell how well an old basket has been cared for by the patina!

Made in the 1940-1950 era, this French willow medium large gathering basket with double handles has that perfect golden-honey patina. The entire basket is in superb condition and is perfect for a table top display of fruits, vegetables, or flowers.

The oval and fluted styling is also an attractive feature. The sides retain a very nice satin patina. Around the braided rim and the handles evidence of gentle handling has aged the patina slightly. The basket is very strong and sturdy and almost 100% flawless.

There are a few minor broken canes if you examine the basket with a close eye, as should be expected on a basket that is around 75 years old.

I know old baskets as Ive been a collector for over 50 years. Occasionally in antique shops I've seen this basket is horrible, worn out, dry condition priced $ 100 to $ 200.

This particular style of French Willow basket, the fluted and oval shape and double handle design, is very hard to find today. If you want an excellent vintage French willow basket, this one should not to be passed up!

Special Note: I'm a serious antique and vintage basket hound. So, here's a clue.

My mother and I have both collected baskets up and down the US East Coast for over 50 years. When I divorced my husband of 33 yrs, on the stand in court he accused me of being a basket addict. It made me so sad. I believe it was projection because I don't have addiction issues. He did. I replied back to him, "Collector? You mean a lifelong antique and vintage basket collector?" He never saw the beauty or value in anything, and it hurt. It was a poor attempt to shame me in public for something I loved and the court had no idea what was going on. But now, 9 yrs after the divorce, I've become the biggest basket addict in modern history - and hopefully, he'll never come back:)