I was given a really nice antique silver plated fruit basket with swing handle, thus allowing the handle to lay flat either side. The basket measures approximately 14 inches across and is about 5 inches deep.

Initially there seemed to be no hallmark on it, nor epns stamp as it is plated for example, but it is silver over copper so a quality piece in it's day I suspect. Researching it online and finding similar items, I reckon it was produced between George lll and Victoria period.

However, as I cleaned it I spotted the numbers 694 and Mrs Hinkade etched into the underside, but needed a magnifying glass to read it, so who was Mrs Hinkade and what does 694 refer to, any ideas please?

How do you clean your silver?

Baking Soda, Salt and Vinegar does the trick a treat!