Victorian silver-plated Aesthetic folding biscuit box, Staniforth Fenton
A magnificent and highly decorative antique silver-plated mechanical biscuit box dating to the late Victorian period. Double-sided cushion-shaped body rests on a naturalistic formed frame of stylised tree branches with a carry handle on top. The exterior is engraved with an exquisite Aesthetic design of lilies and poppies in surround of wheat sheaves; one of the halves depicts a hummingbird flying above the flowers.
The box opens to reveal two compartments with openwork grilles that are pierced in a scrolling foliate design; the grilles have loop handles in the form of laurel wreaths and can be secured in an upright position. Though these are sometimes referred to as “muffin warmers”, the purpose of the grill is to work as an internal divider and keep the biscuits in neat halves when closed, and protected from insects when the box is opened.
Stunning example of Victorian style and craftsmanship, this is a wonderful way to serve muffins and small cakes.
Made by Fenton Brothers, Staniforth patent number 4099, Sheffield, c. 1880s
William Staniforth (1840-1902) joined Fenton Brothers in 1870 as designer, modeller and die-sinker, rising to become managing director and partner in the business.
The first design for a hinged double ‘Biscuit Casket’ [pattern number 3598] was registered in 1876, with a variety of other patterns and iterations quickly following and proving to be extremely popular. Most were made in silver plate, but a small number were produced in sterling. One biscuit barrel was aboard the Dundee train which crashed in the Tay Bridge disaster, but survived due to careful packaging and was subsequently on view in the Fenton showrooms.
1500 g
23 cm tall closed
21 x 14 cm across the base
8.8 cm tall to rim when opened
38.5 cm handle to handle when opened
16.3 x 14 x 5 cm internal dimensions of each half
Excellent antique condition. Light wear to silvering appropriate to age and use; one of the legs is turned inwards and the dish has a wobble.
A magnificent and highly decorative antique silver-plated mechanical biscuit box dating to the late Victorian period. Double-sided cushion-shaped body rests on a naturalistic formed frame of stylised tree branches with a carry handle on top. The exterior is engraved with an exquisite Aesthetic design of lilies and poppies in surround of wheat sheaves; one of the halves depicts a hummingbird flying above the flowers.
The box opens to reveal two compartments with openwork grilles that are pierced in a scrolling foliate design; the grilles have loop handles in the form of laurel wreaths and can be secured in an upright position. Though these are sometimes referred to as “muffin warmers”, the purpose of the grill is to work as an internal divider and keep the biscuits in neat halves when closed, and protected from insects when the box is opened.
Stunning example of Victorian style and craftsmanship, this is a wonderful way to serve muffins and small cakes.
Made by Fenton Brothers, Staniforth patent number 4099, Sheffield, c. 1880s
William Staniforth (1840-1902) joined Fenton Brothers in 1870 as designer, modeller and die-sinker, rising to become managing director and partner in the business.
The first design for a hinged double ‘Biscuit Casket’ [pattern number 3598] was registered in 1876, with a variety of other patterns and iterations quickly following and proving to be extremely popular. Most were made in silver plate, but a small number were produced in sterling. One biscuit barrel was aboard the Dundee train which crashed in the Tay Bridge disaster, but survived due to careful packaging and was subsequently on view in the Fenton showrooms.
1500 g
23 cm tall closed
21 x 14 cm across the base
8.8 cm tall to rim when opened
38.5 cm handle to handle when opened
16.3 x 14 x 5 cm internal dimensions of each half
Excellent antique condition. Light wear to silvering appropriate to age and use; one of the legs is turned inwards and the dish has a wobble.
A magnificent and highly decorative antique silver-plated mechanical biscuit box dating to the late Victorian period. Double-sided cushion-shaped body rests on a naturalistic formed frame of stylised tree branches with a carry handle on top. The exterior is engraved with an exquisite Aesthetic design of lilies and poppies in surround of wheat sheaves; one of the halves depicts a hummingbird flying above the flowers.
The box opens to reveal two compartments with openwork grilles that are pierced in a scrolling foliate design; the grilles have loop handles in the form of laurel wreaths and can be secured in an upright position. Though these are sometimes referred to as “muffin warmers”, the purpose of the grill is to work as an internal divider and keep the biscuits in neat halves when closed, and protected from insects when the box is opened.
Stunning example of Victorian style and craftsmanship, this is a wonderful way to serve muffins and small cakes.
Made by Fenton Brothers, Staniforth patent number 4099, Sheffield, c. 1880s
William Staniforth (1840-1902) joined Fenton Brothers in 1870 as designer, modeller and die-sinker, rising to become managing director and partner in the business.
The first design for a hinged double ‘Biscuit Casket’ [pattern number 3598] was registered in 1876, with a variety of other patterns and iterations quickly following and proving to be extremely popular. Most were made in silver plate, but a small number were produced in sterling. One biscuit barrel was aboard the Dundee train which crashed in the Tay Bridge disaster, but survived due to careful packaging and was subsequently on view in the Fenton showrooms.
1500 g
23 cm tall closed
21 x 14 cm across the base
8.8 cm tall to rim when opened
38.5 cm handle to handle when opened
16.3 x 14 x 5 cm internal dimensions of each half
Excellent antique condition. Light wear to silvering appropriate to age and use; one of the legs is turned inwards and the dish has a wobble.
