As the Revolutionary War drew to a close, George Washington was again free to direct his attention to his beloved Mount Vernon. Eager to update his outmoded tablewares, he asked his nephew, Bushrod Washington, to discreetly discover whether fused silverplate "is fashionable and much used in genteel houses in France and England." Having received a favorable answer, Washington acquired an extensive set of silverplated wares, including this bread basket for serving bread, cake, and other sweetmeats during dessert. Its intricate rosettes, garlands, and pierced work were characteristic of the novel designs that could be efficiently and affordably produced in a nearly imperceptible imitation of true silver.