Tobacco basket picked from the farm

This is a tobacco basket. It measures 40" x 40" and about 6" deep. They mostly come from North Carolina, Virginia, and Maryland. I live in North Carolina and decided to do some riding around in tobacco country. I have been wanting to do some picking of my own and keep out of the antique shops to try and find better prices and more unique items. It payed off greatly. I wound up at a farm not too far outside of town. It was obvious that the owner had good taste from the road. Lots of rusty antique farm equipment displayed proudly in the lawn. I pulled in and the owners of the property were in their 70's to 80's and very kind. They still worked the land and had a beautiful field of tobacco right behind the house. When I told them that I was interested in buying old tools and any thing that catches my eye they were more than happy to show me around. There were multiple buildings on the property and I was allowed access to them all. The husband was a collector of old tools and farm equipment. To my surprise they were willing to part with almost any item for the right price. Everything he gave me a number on was very fair. I have been searching for a tobacco basket for a while. They are getting pretty rare and fetch a high price. I have seen them in antique stores for $100 +. Even on Craigslist they go for $120 or so and are in worse condition than mine. The farmer let me get away with this one for $65. An incredible deal for the quality of shape its in. He had it tucked away in his barn hanging on the wall. I picked a few other items while I was there until my budget was tapped out. He invited me back anytime and I assured him I would take him up on it. I get paid again in two weeks and plan on going there right away. He has many more items I am dying to get my hands on. Stay tuned and you will be able to see some more of his collection as time goes on. If you saw what I had seen at his place you would fall over. I am so grateful to have met this kind couple and an on paying them visits regardless of if I'm shopping or not. In the photos are pictures of when I brought it home covered in years of dust and also after I brushed it off and hosed it. There is also a picture of the writing. Most baskets were labeled either by town or farm. This one originally hailed from Lumberton. I have no plans to stain or seal it as it is beautiful as is. If any of the pictures are upside down or sideways please excuse me as I am using a phone to upload this. Enjoy.