Vintage Gunter & Carter Ovenkist Biscuit Tin – Octagonal Decorative Storage Tin

SUGGESTED SELLING PRICE

£25

I particularly like the bold Victorian-inspired typography and rich colours of this one. The wear is quite pronounced, particularly on the base and lid edges, but the main decorative panels have retained plenty of character.

### Product description

# Vintage Gunter & Carter Ovenkist Biscuit Tin – Octagonal Decorative Storage Tin

10 cm hex

10 cm tall

A wonderfully nostalgic vintage biscuit tin featuring the colourful advertising design of **Gunter & Carter Ovenkist Biscuits**, with its striking lettering and traditional floral decoration.

This attractive eight-sided metal tin has a rich burgundy background, bold green lettering, cream and gold detailing, and decorative red and green floral flourishes. The removable lid features a central illustration of an Arrowroot biscuit surrounded by an ornamental border.

The sides proudly display the wording *Gunter & Carter Ovenkist Biscuits – Fresh & Crisp*, alongside *Est'd 1868* and *Biscuit Co., Cambridge*.

With its distinctive octagonal shape and wonderfully old-fashioned advertising, this is a lovely example of vintage kitchenalia, particularly appealing to collectors of advertising tins and traditional food packaging.

**History and background**

The tin carries the Gunter & Carter name, with advertising referring to the Ovenkist Biscuit Company of Cambridge and an establishment date of 1868.

Although the design evokes Victorian biscuit packaging, the tin itself appears to be a later, vintage piece, most likely dating from the latter half of the 20th century. Similar tins have been associated with Daher decorative tinware, known for its nostalgic designs.

The colourful lettering, ornamental flourishes and illustration of a traditional Arrowroot biscuit reflect the enduring appeal of old-fashioned biscuit advertising.

**Condition**

In well-used vintage condition, with considerable age-related wear, surface scratches, areas of rusting, tarnishing and losses to the original finish, particularly around the lid, edges and underside.

The decorative panels retain much of their original colour and lettering. The removable lid is present, and the interior shows signs of previous use.

The wear gives this piece an appealing timeworn appearance, making it particularly suitable for decorative display.

Please examine the photographs carefully as they form part of the description.

**Why we love it**

There is something rather charming about these old biscuit tins. Once an everyday household item, they now make wonderful little pieces of kitchen history. We particularly love the unusual octagonal shape and beautifully decorative typography.

Perfect for a vintage kitchen shelf, country cottage interior or collection of advertising memorabilia.

**Price: £22

### Maker history and pricing notes

I found comparable Gunter & Carter Ovenkist tins associated with Daher, a firm based in Long Island, New York, whose decorative tinware was manufactured in England and Holland, particularly during the 1960s and 1970s.

One important distinction: 1868 is the establishment date printed in the advertising, not the manufacture date of this tin. I couldn't independently verify Gunter & Carter's original company history, and your tin has no clearly identifiable Daher mark in the photographs. For that reason, I've kept the attribution cautious.

Similar examples are currently advertised around £27, although those are asking prices rather than confirmed sales.