George III Mahogany Tea Caddy

A particularly charming George III tea caddy from late 18th-century England, crafted in richly figured mahogany veneer over a hardwood carcass with brass fittings, a shaped escutcheon, and an elegant bail handle. The hinged lid opens to reveal its original three-part fitted interior, with two lidded side canisters and a central compartment with its hinged cover.

During the Georgian period, tea was an expensive household commodity and was commonly kept in small, lockable caddies such as this one, making these boxes both practical storage and carefully considered objects of domestic display. Three-compartment examples are especially characteristic of the period, and surviving caddies with their original fitted interiors and hardware are particularly appealing to collectors.

This example is especially nice for its surviving key, working lock, original fitted canisters, and intact interior lining, all of which add to its desirability and completeness. The compact proportions and restrained brass decoration are wonderfully representative of Georgian cabinetmaking, while the warm, figured mahogany has developed the mellow patina expected of a well-preserved antique. A lovely example for a collector of Georgian boxes or tea wares, and equally beautiful displayed simply as a small piece of antique furniture.

Origin: c. 1780–1800; England
Material: Mahogany veneer over hardwood, brass, tin/metal inserts
Dimensions: 7.25" : x 4.75" W x 5" H
Condition: Very good antique condition with expected age-related wear to the wood and brass fittings. The original lock and key are present and functioning, and the hinges are secure. A few screws appear to have been replaced at some point. The fitted interior and lid lining remain intact, with appropriate age-related wear.