William D. Appleton (1851-1918) Nantucket Lightship Basket

SOLD

Nantucket, Massachusetts, early 20^th c.
Labeled: Lightship Basket made by W. D. Appleton, Nantucket, Mass.
Woven rattan
Over-all in fine condition with a pleasing oxidized surface.
Appleton embarked on at least one whaling voyage on the bark “Martha Washington,” of Nantucket from 1866-1871. Upon retiring, as was the case of many whaler, Appleton became a lightship crewman who wove baskets aboard the No. 1 New South Shoal Lightship. It is believed that the baskets that were made aboard the No. 1 New South Shoal Lightship are among the highest quality of Nantucket baskets.