Antique Edwardian English Biscuit Barrel with Silver Plated and Cut Glass Liner, England, 1900

Details

Description

A beautiful late Victorian to Edwardian silver-plated biscuit barrel, dating from approximately 1900–1910, featuring a finely cut removable glass liner … Read more A beautiful late Victorian to Edwardian silver-plated biscuit barrel, dating from approximately 1900–1910, featuring a finely cut removable glass liner within an elaborate architectural silver-plated frame.

The substantial cylindrical glass liner is decorated with an intricate geometric diamond and star-cut pattern. It is held within an ornate openwork frame raised on four decorative feet, with turned columns, scrolling foliate embellishments and elegant circular drop handles to either side.

The hinged domed lid is particularly decorative, featuring finely engraved foliate ornament, a gadrooned border and an elaborate raised finial. The glass liner can be completely removed from the frame for cleaning or display.

The combination of elaborate late Victorian ornamentation and refined Edwardian proportions makes this a particularly attractive example of decorative tableware from the turn of the 20th century. Biscuit barrels of this type were fashionable additions to well-appointed dining rooms and drawing rooms during the period.
No identifiable manufacturer's mark or British assay hallmark has been located.

A faint hand-engraved numbers or assembly marks are present.

The metal has not been tested for silver content and is therefore conservatively described as silver plate rather than solid silver.

A substantial and highly decorative antique piece, suitable for use as originally intended or as an elegant decorative object.
Period: Late Victorian / Edwardian
Date: circa 1900–1910
Origin: England, attributed
Materials: Silver-plated metal and cut glass
Height: 19 cm
Width: approximately 18 × 14 cm
Overall weight: approximately 1.544 kg

Condition: Very good display condition with minimal age-related wear consistent with its age and previous use. Silver plate is intact, one tiny spot shown on the last picture. See less