Before America had the cookie jar, Great Britain had the Biscuit Barrel. While our cookie jars tended to be whimsical, the biscuit barrel has always been decidedly more handsome and classic in its design.

At your service, a genuine Biscuit Barrel found at market in the north of England. A beautiful antique, this barrel features a full wooden body, shining ruffled silver trim and shield (proclaiming “Biscuits”!) and a practical ceramic liner. The stained oak body of the barrel gives it rich warmth, while the barrel’s silverplated shield, lid and swing handle, give it its gleaming presence.

Perfect to safe-keep your biscuits (or your cookies!), it will be a cherished addition to your collection.

Strictly one-of-a-kind and subject to prior sale. In very good antique condition with two age-appropriate splits to the oak exterior as shown in the alternative images. 6.25″ wide x 9.25″ tall with handle raised.

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.