English Georgian Mahogany Single-Compartment Tea Caddy with Key
English Georgian Mahogany Single-Compartment Tea Caddy with Key
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Additional Description
Elegant late Georgian mahogany tea caddy of rectangular form with a graceful serpentine lid, retaining its original fitted single tea compartment with removable mahogany interior lid, velvet-lined upper lid, brass escutcheon, and working key. Constructed with beautifully figured mahogany veneers, the caddy embodies the restrained elegance characteristic of the late George III period.
Unlike the more common dual-compartment examples, this caddy was designed with a single tea compartment, intended to store one variety of fine tea. Its simple form emphasizes the quality of the timber and craftsmanship rather than elaborate inlay.
Era
George III, circa 1790–1810
History
During the late 18th and early 19th centuries, tea was among the most valuable household commodities in Britain and was carefully stored under lock and key. Single-compartment tea caddies were produced for households that stored one preferred variety of tea or for more modest domestic use. Mahogany became one of the most desirable cabinet woods during the Georgian period, prized for its rich color, durability, and beautiful figured grain.
Provenance
Private collection.
Materials
Figured mahogany veneer over secondary wood
Brass escutcheon
Brass hinges
Velvet-lined lid
Removable mahogany tea compartment lid
Working key
Dimensions
Dimensions not provided.
Disclaimers
Honest wear consistent with over 200 years of age, including minor scratches, veneer shrinkage, and surface imperfections.
Interior exhibits expected age-related wear from use.
Velvet lining shows age and fading.
Lock functions with accompanying key; originality of the key cannot be guaranteed, though it is period appropriate.
Additional Description
Elegant late Georgian mahogany tea caddy of rectangular form with a graceful serpentine lid, retaining its original fitted single tea compartment with removable mahogany interior lid, velvet-lined upper lid, brass escutcheon, and working key. Constructed with beautifully figured mahogany veneers, the caddy embodies the restrained elegance characteristic of the late George III period.
Unlike the more common dual-compartment examples, this caddy was designed with a single tea compartment, intended to store one variety of fine tea. Its simple form emphasizes the quality of the timber and craftsmanship rather than elaborate inlay.
Era
George III, circa 1790–1810
History
During the late 18th and early 19th centuries, tea was among the most valuable household commodities in Britain and was carefully stored under lock and key. Single-compartment tea caddies were produced for households that stored one preferred variety of tea or for more modest domestic use. Mahogany became one of the most desirable cabinet woods during the Georgian period, prized for its rich color, durability, and beautiful figured grain.
Provenance
Private collection.
Materials
Figured mahogany veneer over secondary wood
Brass escutcheon
Brass hinges
Velvet-lined lid
Removable mahogany tea compartment lid
Working key
Dimensions
Dimensions not provided.
Disclaimers
Honest wear consistent with over 200 years of age, including minor scratches, veneer shrinkage, and surface imperfections.
Interior exhibits expected age-related wear from use.
Velvet lining shows age and fading.
Lock functions with accompanying key; originality of the key cannot be guaranteed, though it is period appropriate.