The phrase identifies a specific category of collectible kitchenware: containers crafted in the form of an apple, intended for storing cookies, and possessing characteristics indicative of age and prior ownership. These items frequently showcase features common to particular design periods, such as specific color palettes, manufacturing techniques, or stylistic trends. For instance, a piece described using this phrase might exhibit hand-painted details typical of the 1950s or be constructed from a type of ceramic popular in the mid-20th century.
Such objects hold value for several reasons. They represent a tangible connection to past eras, offering insights into domestic life and design aesthetics of the time. The containers can serve as decorative elements, functional storage, and conversation pieces, adding character and nostalgia to a kitchen or collection. Historical context plays a significant role; pieces manufactured by renowned potteries or associated with specific historical events often command higher prices and greater collector interest.