George III Tea Caddy Antique Large 18th Century Rare Georgian Tea Box Wood 1790

Rare George III Tea caddy, circa 1790. A fine, impressive and rare example of an antique George III tea caddy of museum standard dating to circa 1790. The tea caddy consists of two glass tea bottles and one mixing bowl, horizontal and vertical ribbed decoration.

The satinwood box of octagonal form features banded and strung decoration with original handle, shell shaped escutcheon, working lock and key. The vast majority of tea caddies were simply made of wood, including both of the tea compartments and the box itself. Glass was much more expensive and more time consuming to make. Also, these items were made to be used and as such, wood was more practical and much less likely to become damaged. Rarely, clients would commission tea caddies with all elements made of glass to reflect their wealth, few of these are now in existence.

Please see picture two and twenty for one other example of a tea caddy of this standard and style kept by the Victoria And Albert Museum, UK. 16 cm high x 31 cm wide x 15 cm deep. Overall, the tea caddy is good condition.

The lock and key work fine. The handle is also fully functioning. As a used and antique item, the tea caddy does show some signs of age and usage. Please ask any questions that you may have.