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This gorgeous piece is a large antique tea caddy done in rosewood. It is about twice as large as the tea caddies we normally run across and has a really unique look especially when open.
Antique Tea Caddy
Made in England around 1890, tea caddies were used to protect then valuable tea from thieves and servants. A box of this size would have most likely been owned by someone quite wealthy. The rosewood is quite beautiful with a lovely color and interesting grain. A brass shield shaped escutcheon adorns the front and a brass knob on each side. These knobs appear to be a later addition to the box. Inside you will see two rosewood tea boxes and a circular center section. Both the rosewood boxes in side the caddy lift out and the circular section has a round top.
Condition
This large antique tea caddy remains in very good condition today. There is a section of rosewood veneer missing from the bottom of the left side and back left corner. The right hand box on the interior has had the hinge repaired and new screws used. The center lid would have once had a knob of some kind to lift it with but that has since been lost. The lock is present but there is no key. The entire box has very light surface wear around the outside as you would expect from a small piece like this that has been handled so much. All of the hinges are strong and work easily. This is a wonderful and rare piece that would be great for any collection!
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