Ornamental biscuit, Phoenix Co, 1914-1918

Historical information

This biscuit is called a 'Dog Biscuit' and was produced during WWI. It was part of a rashion kit to accompany another biscuit and a tin of Bully beef. The original owner was presumably a serviceman called Jack was and he created a souvenir for a loved one using this biscuit, accompanied by another biscuit with an inlaid photograph of himself.

Significance

This object is a rare and precious piece. It is rare for items composed of edible goods to remain almost perfectly intact after a century after creation. The use of the biscuit as a souvenir, with the addition of a artificial flowers, is presumably unique and imparts great social significance to the item.

Physical description

Dry biscuit with artificial flower decoration. The flowers are of light green and cream coloured fabric, wire and are attached in the top right hand corner of the biscuit. There are fabric strips attached to the back and tied with cotton string through holes in the lower right corner.

Inscriptions & markings

Inscriptions on the front read:
"Phoenix Co. Melbourne"

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