The Traditional Fisherman's Forum

I stated in my introduction that my father made wicker fishing baskets from the late 1950's into the mid 1980's and here is an example of what he did and how I recogonise them. This was made circa 1970, and defintely before 1974, because it was made for the son of the foreman where I did my apprenticeship.
Firstly, the tight weave of the basket which increased in stability.
Secondly - the hinges, at least 4-6 bands of Cane or twisted willow - filling the full length of the slot, to prevent twisting or longitudinal movement.
next - the webbing slot - always fairly fine, so the webbing didn't collapse in the slot,
Next - positioning of the nails (1") in the legs at the corners, top and botton, at least twice - this is to prevent the wicker moving, which again once it does, affects stability.
Also the tops of the legs was always bare.
Lastly, looking after them - like greenheart rods - do not let them completely dry out and go brittle. Totally Immerse in water , scrub at least once per year, and perhaps every 5 years add a coat of light varnish.

Good and strong that basket wouldn’t get a wobble on that one my father made cartridge bags I could recognise one off his also mike

That looks a quality build very nice indeed.

Very nice. Also a good check list of things we can all look out for when selecting creels, thank you!

What a sturdy looking item of kit, built to last a lifetime.

That looks a very well made, high quality basket. Your Father was clearly a very skilful craftsman. Have you ever tried your hand at making a basket?

Looks great , must admit always fancied making one.

Yes, I did - couldn't get the neat wrapping around corners or the willow tightly packed in the uprights. So progressed to drilling the bases for tea trays and making a few of them - BUT in exchange for this for many hours of scrubbing the baskets and varnishing them before sale. He could, despite having a Caretakers job at the local school, knock up about 8-10 baskets a week, when retired from that about 20-25. He would start at 7:00, do 1 &1/2 hours, school, baskets at dinner, school afternoon and work until 9:00 pm. All in an outside shed attached to the garage, with a pot bellied stove as company, and a tin bath to soak the willow.

I’ve got two and they’re not comfortable on my backside. We use one as a makeshift Moses basket stand at present and the other we keep the sticks for the fire in. Yours looks much better quality than either of mine.

Just an update - father's baskets varied in size from 4 legs to 6 legs, big enough to hold at least 6 biscuit tins of Maggots. His biggest every was made for Steve Calcott of Sheffield, when I can just remember it being displayed in the window as the largest Basket and there was also a very large float (anyone got any photographs of that please - his shop front with both items)
QUESTION.
Would anyone be interested in a new wicker basket. I MAY and it is a big may, might be able to get some prices from a very distinct relative in lands far away, to make some using mine as a sample. Just a probing question at this time.