Antique English Regency Wooden Tea Caddy with Dual Interior Compartments
Antique English Regency Wooden Tea Caddy with Dual Interior Compartments
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This antique wooden box features a clean, rectilinear form with a gently chamfered lid, raised on four small brass bun feet. The exterior is finished in a rich, warm-toned stained wood, showing natural variations in grain and color consistent with age and use.
The box opens via brass hinges to reveal a divided interior with two lidded compartments, each fitted with a small turned wooden knob. The interior walls and bases are lined in what appears to be original silvered or foil-lined paper, a practical and historically accurate feature intended to protect contents from moisture and preserve freshness. The underside of the lid also retains its original lining.
At the front, the box is fitted with an ornate brass escutcheon and retains its working key.
This antique wooden box features a clean, rectilinear form with a gently chamfered lid, raised on four small brass bun feet. The exterior is finished in a rich, warm-toned stained wood, showing natural variations in grain and color consistent with age and use.
The box opens via brass hinges to reveal a divided interior with two lidded compartments, each fitted with a small turned wooden knob. The interior walls and bases are lined in what appears to be original silvered or foil-lined paper, a practical and historically accurate feature intended to protect contents from moisture and preserve freshness. The underside of the lid also retains its original lining.
At the front, the box is fitted with an ornate brass escutcheon and retains its working key.
8.25"w x 5"d x 5.75"h
8.25"w x 5"d x 5.75"h
Tea caddies became common household objects in Britain and Europe during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, when tea was an expensive and closely guarded commodity. Boxes such as this were designed with locking mechanisms and divided interiors to store different tea varieties separately.
The use of foil-lined interiors was both functional and symbolic, helping preserve aroma while signaling the value of the contents. By the early 19th century, tea caddies evolved toward simpler, architectural forms like this example, moving away from heavily inlaid Georgian styles in favor of restrained elegance.
This form would have been appropriate for a middle- to upper-class household, often kept in a dining room, pantry, or sideboard.
Tea caddies became common household objects in Britain and Europe during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, when tea was an expensive and closely guarded commodity. Boxes such as this were designed with locking mechanisms and divided interiors to store different tea varieties separately.
The use of foil-lined interiors was both functional and symbolic, helping preserve aroma while signaling the value of the contents. By the early 19th century, tea caddies evolved toward simpler, architectural forms like this example, moving away from heavily inlaid Georgian styles in favor of restrained elegance.
This form would have been appropriate for a middle- to upper-class household, often kept in a dining room, pantry, or sideboard.
Early 19th Century (circa 1800 - 1830)
Early 19th Century (circa 1800 - 1830)
Solid wood construction (likely mahogany or similar hardwood)
Brass hinges, escutcheon, and bun feet
Original interior divider and compartment lids
Foil-lined interior surfaces
Steel key (present and functional)
Solid wood construction (likely mahogany or similar hardwood)
Brass hinges, escutcheon, and bun feet
Original interior divider and compartment lids
Foil-lined interior surfaces
Steel key (present and functional)
Likely English or Continental European
Likely English or Continental European
Surface wear, scratches, and finish variation consistent with age
Interior foil lining shows oxidation, wear, and losses
Interior compartment lids show age-related wear
Minor gaps and shrinkage visible at joints
Key present and functional at time of listing
Antique item; imperfections are expected and part of its character
Surface wear, scratches, and finish variation consistent with age
Interior foil lining shows oxidation, wear, and losses
Interior compartment lids show age-related wear
Minor gaps and shrinkage visible at joints
Key present and functional at time of listing
Antique item; imperfections are expected and part of its character