For your consideration is a rare antique piece made by Middletown Plate Co.  This is a basket style piece.  Maybe a presentation piece or brides basket.  It has a handle that can be moved to store and intricate design inside.  Each side has a helmeted person like the Roman soldier put on some pieces and the top of the handle has a ladies head.  The basket stands  on 4 hoof feet, however the top of the feet has an animal head.  In the center of the stand there is a dog figure.  It looks like a Whippet.  The Middletown Plate Co was started in 1864  by Edward Payne and Henry Bullard.  They joined International Silver in 1899.  The employees that did not want to go there started a new company called Middletown Silver co.  The mark on this piece was retired in 1921.   This is an oval shape measuring 8 1/2" x 9 3/4" and stands 5" tall without the handle being up.  The handle would add another 5".  Such a beautiful piece that is so unique.

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