Hi there,

I'm selling a rather sweet but definitely lost, antique tea caddy.

Made of tin and suffering it's age. This is an interesting find.

The label on the inside cover reads "Choice Canada Blended Tea."

And then, barely legible, is "Collings and Aldrich, Kensington Street, Brighton.

I can make out no other names or writing.

I wonder if this is "Castle Blend", as the faded pictures are of castles?

I've not come across Canadian blended tea as a product before.

Please see the photos and feel free to ask any questions.

I think the green pattern is meant to represent shagreen, a sign of a high-quality item.

It measures 6" wide, 4.5" high, and 3.75" deep.

From the net, thanks to specialcollections.

This is from Kelly's Directory, but i'm not sure of the year. It started in the 1860s.

"Collings & Aldrich Limited, wholesale grocers, tea.

coffee & provision merchants, Kensington Street."

I would guess at late Victorian as a date, possibly up to the 1930s?

The tin has suffered damp and damage over the years, but the lid still opens and shuts.

I haven't attempted cleaning it.

I really hope there is someone out there who feels this lost little tea caddy is worth loving and saving..?

I will pack it very carefully for travel.

Thanks for looking, and i'm always open to reasonable offers.

Do please checkout my other items and feedback.

I'm very happy to combine postage.