Object Description
This is a highly decorative Antique Victorian silver plated folding biscuit box, the base bearing the makers’ mark of the renowned silversmiths Walker & Hall of Sheffield, England, circa 1888 in date and bearing the year stamp 88.
It has a plain shell-shaped body sitting in a cast frame with remarkably chased branch supports and the original interior features elegant hand-pierced dividers.
The opening mechanism is as intricate as the shell decoration, it opens out into two halves and is held shut by gorgeous laurel wreath loose ring handles at the top.
This wonderful container could house anything from sweets to biscuits or trinkets.
Whatever you choose to store in this lovely item you are sure to do it in style.
Condition:
In excellent condition. As an antique item, the piece shows signs of use commensurate with age, these minor condition issues are mentioned for accuracy and, as seen in the accompanying photographs, the biscuit box displays beautifully,please see photos for confirmation.
Dimensions in cm:
Height 28 x Width 21 x Depth 15
Dimensions in inches:
Height 11.0 x Width 8.3 x Depth 5.9
Walker & Hall
the business was established in Sheffield in 1845 by George Walker who become an assistant of Dr John Wright. Dr John Wright had conducted important experiments on electroplating, Walker secured the royalty of electroplating for Sheffield.
The business was joined by Henry Hall and became in 1853 Walker & Hall. The factory was at Howard Street, Sheffield, while showrooms were opened in 45 Holborn Viaduct, London. Branches were opened in Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Cardiff, Belfast, Hull, Bristol, Melbourne and Adelaide (Australia), Cape Town (South Africa).
Walker & Hall was converted into a limited liability company in 1920 under the style Walker & Hall Ltd and combined in 1963 under the British Silverware Ltd with Mappin & Webb and Elkington & Co. Walker and Hall Sheffield were primarily Sheffield Makers, but items with Birmingham, London and Chester Assay Marks can also be found.
Our reference: A1302