This magnificent antique Victorian sterling silver biscuit box has a triangular rounded form.
The body of this impressive biscuit box is comprised of a hallmarked cast frame with three hinged clam shell shaped silver covers.
The exceptional frame is embellished with organic textures to the arched joints, conjoining to the upper portion with leaf decorated borders.
The upper portions bears a magnificent cast foliate decorated carrying handle; the substantial gauge and incurved form of the carrying handle provide a sturdy yet comfortable grip, ergonomically shaped to sit naturally within the hand.
The lower portion of the frame bears the cast foliated vertical brackets and hallmarked screw fitments; these support the opening mechanism for the three covers.
The frame terminates to the lower portion with three hoof style feet, conjoined with a curvilinear leaf decorated supports, completing the framework.
Each cover is ornamented with convex fluted lobes and incorporates the contemporary engraved initials 'SEL' and date 'June 22nd 1897', coinciding precisely with Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee.
The covers are all further embellished with an impressive cast hinged floral and foliate decorated fingerpiece, which operates the mechanism to allow all three compartment covers to be opened simultaneously by pulling the fingerpiece on one cover.
The finely-detailed box opens to reveal the original pierced decorated hallmarked dividers, secured with spring-loaded loop fastenings; once released these hinged dividers allow access to the compartment's contents.
The interior of this magnificent biscuit box retains the original gilding.
Such biscuit boxes of this design are more commonly encountered with double covers, with examples also produced in considerable quantities in electroplate. This fine example is particularly distinguished by its unusual triple-cover construction and being crafted in sterling silver.
This rare box is the finest of its type you could hope to acquire.
The Victorian folding silver biscuit box is a rare and impressive example of English silver craftsmanship. This piece exemplifies late 19th-century dining luxury, where mechanical silverware combined theatrical tabletop presentation with functional storage. Constructed in sterling silver, its unusual triple-shell folding design creates both practical function and striking visual appeal, reflecting the period's appreciation for finely made entertaining pieces. Its rarity, quality of construction, and distinctive form make it particularly appealing to collectors of Victorian silver and as an elegant heirloom object.
Maker: Fenton Brothers Ltd
Date: 1896
