Vintage Longaberger 1997 Inaugural Basket W/Liner, Tie On & Protector

Vintage Longaberger 1997 Inaugural Basket W/Liner, Tie On & Protector. 8.5 tall  Longaberger 1997 Inaugural Basket #15326.  Inaugural baskets were released as a tribute to America's peaceful transition of authority every four years, coinciding with the inauguration of the President.  Bill Clinton was inaugurated for his second term in January, 1997.     The Longaberger Company was founded in 1973 by Dave Longaberger as a family-owned and -operated maker of handcrafted maple wood baskets.  At its peak the company had $1 billion in annual sales but a combination of recession and changing tastes in home decor led to declining sales, with the company finally filing for bankruptcy in 2018.  The brand has since been relaunched by another company.     Every Longaberger basket is handcrafted, initialed and dated by the actual basket weaver     Longaberger's iconic headquarters in Ohio, built in the shape of a giant basket, still stands.     This basket contains red and blue weaves at the belt, a blue band at the rim and a pewter name plate.  The carry handle is fixed in place.     The liner is a beautiful red, white and blue American flag print fabric that really looks patriotic.  The pewter tie-on completes the wonderful look.     Excellent condition, clean, no damage,      Also includes a plastic protective liner