Antique Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy

Description This Antique Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy dates to the Georgian period during the reign of George III, circa 1800. The tea caddy is formed in an elegant octagonal shape and veneered throughout in richly coloured tortoiseshell displaying the warm amber and deep brown patterning characteristic of the material. The lid is fitted with a silver carrying handle mounted on a distinctive star shaped backplate which creates a decorative focal point at the centre of the lid. Opening the Antique Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy reveals an interior faced in boxwood surrounding a single tea storage compartment. The compartment retains its original silver foil lining, traditionally used to protect the tea leaves and preserve freshness. Tea caddies of this type were produced during the late eighteenth century when tea remained a valuable and expensive commodity within the household. Lockable caddies were therefore used both to store and control access to tea while also reflecting the status and taste of the owner. A well proportioned Georgian tortoiseshell tea caddy with elegant octagonal form and strong period character. View the full Tea Caddy Collection. Mark Goodger Antiques has handled Georgian, Regency and Victorian tea caddies for decades, covering examples in tortoiseshell, pressed horn, burr woods, fruitwood, japanned surfaces, Tunbridge ware and silver. Our stock regularly includes sarcophagus forms, bombe shapes, novelty fruit caddies and rare interior configurations. Through continued study of construction methods, veneer combinations, period inlay techniques and interior composition, we place particular emphasis on authenticity and correct attribution. Understanding which materials were used together, how interiors were finished, and how hinges and mounts were constructed is essential when assessing genuine eighteenth and nineteenth century tea caddies. What is Boxwood? Boxwood known as “Buxus sempervirens” can be found in Europe, Northwest Africa and Southwest Asia. It is a light cream that turns darker to brown when exposed to light. The trees are very small meaning it is suited to smaller projects like edging or inlay instead of veneers. For further information see our Woods Encyclopaedia on Boxwood. What is Tortoiseshell? Tortoiseshell is a decorative material historically produced from the shell of the hawksbill sea turtle. The material is composed of keratin, the same natural substance found in horn, and can be heated, shaped and polished to produce a rich translucent surface with mottled tones of amber, brown and dark honey. During the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries tortoiseshell was widely used in fine decorative objects including boxes, tea caddies, snuff boxes and dressing table items. The material could be worked as veneer, inlaid with metals or other materials, and polished to a deep glossy finish which enhanced its distinctive colour and pattern. If you are purchasing Tortoiseshell or Ivory pieces and are outside the E.U. you must have a CITES certificate in order to import the item into your country. We can obtain these on your behalf at a cost of £50 and these can take up to 14 working days to arrive at our office. Due to the strict exporting rules of these pieces, they may also come with further shipping costs. Please ensure you contact us prior to purchase for a quote. Why Buy from Mark Goodger Antiques? With over thirty five years of specialist experience, Mark Goodger Antiques is recognised internationally as a leading authority in antique boxes and related works of art. Every item offered has been personally selected by Mark, whose knowledge and judgement are trusted by collectors, institutions, museums, interior designers, and fellow dealers worldwide. Every purchase is supplied with a full supporting package for clarity and reassurance. This includes a Certificate of Authenticity, a detailed condition and care guide specific to your item, our most recent catalogue, and a separate invoice suitable for insurance and valuation purposes. Each piece is carefully examined prior to sale to ensure accuracy of description and quality. Your purchase is fully insured during transit and protected by our straightforward money back guarantee, allowing you to buy with complete confidence. We pride ourselves on transparency, expertise, and long term relationships with our clients, many of whom return to us repeatedly over decades. When you buy from Mark Goodger Antiques, you are purchasing from a specialist family business built on knowledge, trust, and an unrivalled focus on antique boxes.