One of the finest and earliest signed Jose Reyes Nantucket Friendship basket in the 'cocktail' size circa 1947-1948

The color, patina and condition of this rare early Jose Reyes basket is exceptional. It has his traditional signature and an outline of Nantucket Island on the bottom. The beautiful ebony plaque on the lid is further adorned with a carved whale ivory whale made by the famous scrimshander Charley Sayles. The overall height is 9". Accompanying the basket is a photo of the original owner with this basket and the photo is dated 1954.