CURIOSITY & WHIMSY

Hi, and welcome to our new occasional series in which we highlight some of the more unusual items

we have here at our shop. The items we will be selecting are things which always pique people’s interest, myself included.

The world of silver offers up many things, from the standard and useful, items that are still being produced today, to things that are most definitely from a bygone era. It is some of those items I hope to feature here.

There was a time when the minds and imaginations of silversmiths were allowed to run wild and if something could, in some way be produced in silver, it probably was.

Of course, some of these things, though lost to us now, would have been very useful and even necessary then. 

While some of these items may still retain their functionality, others are found to have lost their place in being indispensable objects. 

Fortunately, because of some of these objects maintain their charm and beauty, they have become desirable simply through the connection with days gone by.

So, with that in mind, I begin.

Today's object is a big hit down here; once people figure out what it is!

I present to you, this curious Victorian item.

This is a delightful object, with hidden depths.

Upon first glance you might wonder what function this decorative item might have. It looks nothing more than an elaborate handbag on stilts. Pop that on the floor of a disco and watch the crowds dance around it!

It is not until you open it that its true purpose  is revealed.

What you will find inside is beautiful and detailed lattice work and, commonly,  gilt interiors. These elaborate grates would serve to secure its contents…….Biscuits!

Yes, this is a foldable Victorian biscuit box.

Easy to transport from room to room when entertaining, the box folds up to a manageable size.

Once the box is fully opened ,the grills slide into place, and now you have perfect serving dish.  

Of course you could put what you like in there, sweets, bon bons,cookies,crackers, whatever takes your fancy.

These enchanting boxes were mostly made in silverplate, though rare sterling silver ones can sometimes be found. 

The shell shaped biscuit box proves to be the most popular style, but several other sorts can be had as well. 

One of the most eye-catching of these, in my opinion, would be the orb shape, which opens like a flower to reveal three sections. It really serves to impress.

Here down at the vaults, we have recently noticed the demand for these boxes, in all styles, has been on the increase. I think people appreciate their functionality as well as their beauty. Not only are you getting something of use but it comes with a little bit of history as well.

Whichever one you might choose you are sure to have something that will have people talking for years to come. 

Now, which one would you choose.?