At your service, a Silverplate Biscuit Box found at market in the north of England from the renowned Royal Victoria Station Hotel in Sheffield.

Established in 1862 adjacent to the Victoria Railway Station, this hotel was originally built to serve railway passengers and was considered one of the most complete and luxurious hotels in the United Kingdom when it was built in 1862.  According to the Sheffielder: "An official inauguration ceremony took place in September 1862 when leading gentry and manufacturers were invited to a banquet 'with a profusion of the good things of this world, and adorned with silver-plated epergnes, fruit and flowers, presenting a scene of almost Eastern luxuriousness.'" Over the years, the hotel hosted notable guests, including the Prince and Princess of Wales in 1875, among other members of the royal family.

Produced by the supremely talented silversmiths of Elkington & Co. in 1901, this sleek and lovely round Biscuit Box with hinged lid stands confidently on three bun feet. This is gleaming biscuit box will be just the thing to safe-keep your biscuits - or curios or treasured goods! - in a truly elegant fashion.

Strictly one-of-a-kind and subject to prior sale. In very good restored antique condition. Measures 7.25"D x 6.5"H.

Learn More About Biscuit Barrels & Boxes

Demand for commercially produced biscuits soared in the 19th century, as did the demand for tea and coffee. Along with the large scale manufacturing of biscuits and the popularity of taking afternoon tea with sweets, biscuit boxes and barrels became necessary for storing biscuits and bringing them to the table while taking tea. As biscuits were fragile by nature, these tins, boxes or barrels also provided protection and helped keep biscuits fresher for longer.

The popularity of afternoon tea during the Victorian era increased the demand for highly decorative biscuit boxes, which would take pride of place alongside elegant tea and coffee services. As afternoon tea was often a social event, these serving pieces were an opportunity to display the family's social standing and wealth.