An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Georgian English sterling silver locking tea caddy by Henry Chawner; an addition to our silver teaware collection

This exceptional antique Georgian sterling silver tea caddy has an oval form.

The surface of the tea caddy is encompassed with bright cut engraved fabric swag designs and floral festoons, suspended from impressive spiralling foliate anchor-points accented with pensile bud designs.

Each spiralling motif flanks a shield shaped cartouche displaying the contemporary engraved initials "WM" and surmounted with a ribbon style bow.

The upper and lower portions of the body are encompassed with engraved bands of chevron style decoration, in addition to an applied bead decorated border.

This antique silver tea caddy retains the original hallmarked domed flush hinged cover; the flush hinge indicates the fine quality of this piece.

The cover is embellished with further engraved chevron decoration and is surmounted with the original and exceptional carved pineapple style, silver topped finial; this finish is an important and fine feature of the piece.

The caddy is fitted with a fully working lock and key.

Read a brief history of antique silver tea caddies

This antique silver tea caddy is an exceptional gauge of silver, exceptional quality and in exceptional condition.

The engraved and bright cut engraved decoration is very crisp.

Full hallmarks struck to the underside of the caddy and part hallmarks to the interior of the cover are all very clear; the hallmarks are deeply struck due to the exceptional gauge of silver.

Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this example of Georgian silverware.

Length 13.4cm/5.3"

Width 9cm/3.5"

Width including key 11.6cm/4.6"

Height 13.5cm/5.3"

11.3 troy ounces/351g (including locking mechanism)

Date: 1786

Origin: London, England

Maker: Henry Chawner