Abstract: A high-temperature furnace basket 10 is disclosed for carrying work pieces during heat treatment. The basket includes a top rim A and a bottom rim B interconnected by frame sides 20a, 20c and ends 20b, 20d. Rim A includes a closed loop 12 having an uninterrupted load bearing surface 16 around the entire perimeter of the basket. Rim B includes closed loop 14 having an uninterrupted contacting rim surface 18. When stacked, contact around the total perimeter of the basket is provided between rim surfaces 16 and 18 to evenly distribute the load of stacked baskets under high temperature loads and stresses. Staggered retaining devices 54, 56 and 58,60 provide inverted stacking as well as normal stacking.