Before America had the cookie jar, Great Britain had their own version, known as a Biscuit Barrel. While our cookie jars tended to be whimsical, the British version has always been decidedly handsome and definitely more classic in its design.

At your service, an exquisite Victorian Silverplate Biscuit Barrel found at market in the north of England. With a lavish rococo aesthetic that captures the spirit and passions of its era, this magnificent barrel is embossed with an intricate display of florals, ferns, leaves, and shells - a visual feast of details with elements that would have been especially captivating during the Victorian era.

Elevated proudly on four decorative foliate feet, the barrel was produced by the long-shuttered Cooper Brothers silversmiths of Sheffield with a hinged lid and an attached liner tray.

This gleaming biscuit barrel carries with it the opulence of the Victorian era and will be just the thing to safe-keep your biscuits in a truly elegant fashion.

Strictly one-of-a-kind and subject to prior sale. In excellent antique condition. Measures 7.75"H x 8"D.

Learn More About Biscuit Barrels

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.