These are based on the full-sized baskets created by Paul de Lamerie, examples of which are in the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, both dated 1747. P. A. S. Phillips, in his grand work "Paul de Lamerie, Citizen and Goldsmith of London" (1968) stated "nothing more successful as table ornaments ever emanated from the goldsmith's workshop".

From the turn of the century through the late forties, Crichton Brothers were important dealers in antique silver, and no doubt used an original piece by Lamerie as a model.