Early 20th-Century English Tiger Oak & Brass Hourglass Ribbed-Shape Biscuit Barrel

Excellent Pre-Owned Condition.

Did you know that the first biscuit barrels made their appearance beginning in the early 1800s and were used as a part of the everyday English lifestyle and tea time ritual? A standard in almost every English home, biscuit barrels were used to store and serve biscuits (the English word for cookies and shortbread). Vintage biscuit barrels can be found made from oak, silver, mahogany, glass and crystal. Most are of the same basic design – barrel shaped with a lid and handle. Some are embellished with silver, engravable trophy shields, some have feet. They are also sometimes called biscuit jar or biscuit box, depending on the shape. Each has its own charm! Aged oak and brass, two classic elements of timeless style. This beautifully shaped hourglass ribbed biscuit barrel is handcrafted from solid tiger oak with a beautiful ornamental- shape brass swivel handle. The metal lid is electroplated nickel silver (stamped on the underside EPNS); plating has worn off of the top, as seen in the photos. Brass bands adorn the upper rim and lower base with brass peg nails. On the interior is an ironstone crock that is not removable. In excellent condition overall. Patination to the brass that could be polished but why would you? Since wood is an organic material, it shrinks across the grain with age and this beauty has an age-appropriate, mostly indiscernible hairline crack, on the inside of one of the “ribs” of the barrel that begins just underneath the handle and runs all the way down (see photo 3) which does not affect its beauty or utility. It measures 9¾” high with the handle up; with handle down 6¼” high; 5½” width; 5” base diameter; 18½” circumference; crock interior height 4½”; weight 2 lbs. 7 oz. Maker unknown. The simple clean lines and fine craftsmanship translates well to modern living. More than a cookie or biscuit container, it will serve you well as a decorative accent piece, adding English charm in any room!

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