Antique Huntley & Palmers “Rich Tea” shop counter Biscuit Tin Superior Reading

Antique Huntley & Palmers “Rich Tea” shop counter Biscuit Tin

Superior Reading Biscuits – Reading & London

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Displayed with other items illustration only not included

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A wonderful piece of British biscuit-tin history, this antique Huntley & Palmers “Rich Tea” biscuit tin dates from the late Victorian to early Edwardian period (circa 1890–1910). Produced by the famous Reading biscuit manufacturer, the tin once contained their celebrated “Superior Reading Biscuits – Rich Tea.”

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The design is classic for the period, featuring a bold circular label with ornate Victorian decorative scrollwork in deep blue, red, and gold tones. The typography and elaborate flourishes reflect the rich graphic style used by Huntley & Palmers during the height of their biscuit-tin production.

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The front proudly displays:

“Huntley & Palmers – Rich Tea – Superior Reading Biscuits – Reading & London”

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These tins were originally used for shop counter display and domestic storage once emptied, and today they are cherished examples of early British packaging and advertising design.

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Maker History

Huntley & Palmers was founded in 1822 in Reading, Berkshire, and became one of the largest biscuit manufacturers in the world during the 19th century. By the late Victorian era the company exported biscuits globally and pioneered the use of decorative lithographed tins, turning everyday packaging into collectible works of art.

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Their factory in Reading was once known as “the largest biscuit factory in the world,” employing thousands of workers and producing millions of biscuits each day. The beautifully printed tins were designed not only to protect the biscuits but also to act as marketing pieces that customers would keep and reuse, which is why many survive today as treasured pieces of social history.

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Condition

This example shows honest age and wear, which adds to its authentic antique character.

Original lithographed finish present

Areas of surface wear, rust and patina

Some loss to the printed design in places

Lid slightly worn and aged

Structurally sound display piece

The wear is entirely consistent with a well-loved working tin that is over a century old.

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Approximate Dimensions

23 cm square

25 cm tall

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Why We Love It

At Objet d’Art Stuff, we love objects that tell stories. This tin captures the golden age of British biscuit manufacturing, when everyday packaging was crafted with remarkable artistry. It is a lovely reminder of the tea-table traditions that shaped British social life.

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Perfect for collectors of:

antique advertising tins

Huntley & Palmers memorabilia

kitchenalia

Victorian packaging

social history objects