The following is a list of finer points to look for when you are shopping for a Nantucket Lightship Basket.

1. Check to make sure the staves are even and straight, not leaning.

2. The weave should be straight and even with no gaps.

3. With a covered basket, the lid should fit evenly all the way around.

4. Look down the sides of the basket for occasional bulges in the weaving. These are necessary splices, but they should not be easily detectable.

5. A variation in the color of the weave is common and does not reflect on the quality of a basket. However, splits and breaks in the cane are not acceptable.

6. All baskets will darken in color as they age. This is considered a basket's "patina". New baskets will generally be light in color.

7. Traditionally the maker signs Nantucket Lightship Baskets.