5 Vintage 1990s Longaberger Rectangular Market Harvest Baskets 8" to 18"

Description

Lot of 5 vintage Longaberger rectangular handwoven maple market baskets. Largest: 1993 Christmas Collection Bayberry Basket with two rotating bail handles and plaid cotton liner; signed US 1993. Next largest also has double rotating bail handles; signed 7K 1994. Of the two medium baskets one is without handles and the other has leather handles; signed MED 1991 and SIA 1991. Smallest basket has leather handles; signed KM 1992.

“The Longaberger Company was an American manufacturer and distributor of handcrafted maple wood baskets and other home and lifestyle products. The company opened in 1973, was acquired in 2013 by CVSL, Inc., and closed in 2018. The following year, Xcel Brands acquired the intellectual property and relaunched the brand, expanding it to include home goods such as furniture, food, jewelry and other handcrafted products.[1]

Founded by Dave Longaberger, the family-owned and -operated company used multi-level marketing to sell its products. It was one of the primary employers in Dresden, Ohio, before it moved to Newark, Ohio, in 1997.[2] At its peak in 2000, it had $1 billion in sales,[3] employed more than 8,200 people directly, and had about 45,000 independent distributors (called Home Consultants) selling its products directly to customers. Along with baskets, the product line eventually included wrought iron products, pottery, wooden lids, and other products.[4]

Its former corporate headquarters on Ohio's State Route 16 is a local landmark known as the "Big Basket."[5] Built to resemble the company's top-selling product, the "Medium Market Basket", the seven-story edifice is a well-known example of novelty architecture.”

Condition

Good Overall - Gentle wear

Dimensions

Largest - 18” x 11.5” x 4.5” / Smallest - 7.75” x 4.25” x 2.25” (Width x Depth x Height)