Beautifully Constructed Antique Ash Splint Basket with Carved Wooden Handle kid made bowl there is just one broken

there is just one broken bit off the the end of one of the clay weights

unsigned but presumed mid-century as it seems quintessentially so

while his legs all move independently

What a couple of characters in this one (I especially love the stern face--and polka dot socks

The weaving is attached to metal bars on top and bottom

Beautifully Constructed Antique Ash Splint Basket with Carved Wooden Handle kid made bowl there is just one brokenI believe this basket dates to the late 19th century and was made in New Englandand it is a beauty of its type, in very good, sturdy condition. With its original naturally aged dry patina, it features a hand carved wooden handle, notched at the lip of the basket to fit between two bentwood bands, the outer one overlapping, and terminates in points where it ends midway down the sides of the basket. Nice old iron nails around the top, and two wider