A late 19th c. slatwork double handled basket in original oxidized and unfinished surface. 
Constructed from cut and steam bent oak wood, the body is formed of slatwork, an easy and structural way of forming basketry without conforming to tedious weaving and delicate use. Two applied bent wood ash handles adorn the body and are secured via  drawn iron hand-made staples. 
A thick pine wood base cut from compass work and pierced in the middle is attached to the base like that of Nantucket basketry of the 19th c. Each slat is held via a large size square nail. 
The rim consists of two bentwood rims made of oak wood as well and are secured with decorative tack joining. 
Remains in excellent original condition with one slat having an insignificant partial loss. produced in a seldom seen size at merely 11 1/2"W. 
Northeast origin, possible New England. Ca. 1890.