Half Bushel Lightship Basket, 19th century

14" Diameter large Nantucket lightship basket with thick oak staves, large ears and swing handle. The handle and ears are affixed with brass pins and washers. The base is made from walnut and has concentric incised rings. Branded on the base and top of the handle with "R.P.P." The basket has come down thru the Pittman family, most likely belonging to Robert P. Pittman (1811-1906), he lived on a farm and the basket was probably used for vegetablesand such, as it's a  well made basket that was used to carry some weight, c. 1860-1880
BSK883