Huntley & Palmers (British, 1822-1972)
‘Italian Casket’ Biscuit Tin, c. 1929-1936
chromo-lithographed tinplate
9 ¼” length x 6 ¼” width x 4 1/8” height
Notes: Secessionist style ‘Italian Casket’ tin made for the British market by Huntley & Palmers, Reading, England, c. 1929.1936. This popular tin was originally sold with ‘Noel Mixed’ biscuits and is in fact a direct copy (slightly different dimensions) of a Viennese Erhard and Söhne box designed in 1911 by landscape painter and architect Eurgen Nanz (1887-1958), the original in brass and rosewood with briarwood inlay, lined with cedar.
Originally marketed as part of the adult Christmas gift line its intended function was aesthetically classed packaging for oven-fresh afternoon tea biscuits. The main compartment stands on four legs with a domed lid, the body decorated with stylized symmetrical flowers and geometric fretwork in the Austrian manner.
Literature & Reference: 1931 Huntley & Palmers Christmas Biscuits and Cakes Catalogue, British Market Cover, “no. 29, ITALIAN CASKET”; Exhibition Catalogue, Erhard & Söhne from Crafts to Industrial Design, Silverware Museum, Ott-Pausersche Factory, Schabisch Gmund 2009, p. 16.
Markings: logo impressed on base, “HUNTLEY & PALMERS / BISCUITS / READING & LONDON / ENGLAND”’
Condition: Vintage, Very Good
For Accuracy: a vintage item it may show expected light signs of age. There is some wear to the body (see pics). The hinge and lid are in working order.
