Description Georgian Period Circa 1790 George III An antique Georgian tortoiseshell tea caddy dating to the late eighteenth century, constructed in a distinctive decagonal form with a tent top lid and veneered throughout in blonde tortoiseshell. Tea caddies of this type were produced for the secure storage of loose leaf tea when it was kept under lock within the household. The exterior is detailed with fine ivory stringing and centred by a silver initial plaque beneath a shield shaped silver escutcheon. A matching silver loop handle sits atop the lid, echoing the silver mounts and giving the piece a confident architectural outline typical of Georgian design. Opening the caddy reveals a single lidded compartment which retains traces of the original silver foil lining, historically used to help preserve the tea. The floating inner lid is fitted with its own loop handle and sits neatly within the interior. Made during the Georgian period in the reign of George III, circa 1790, this example reflects the restrained form and material focus associated with late eighteenth century tea wares. View more pieces from our Tea Caddy collection here. Tortoiseshell Tortoiseshell describes a type of decorative material made from the shells of certain species of sea turtles. The shells of these turtles are composed of a hard, glossy substance called keratin, which can be cut and shaped into a variety of decorative items. Tortoiseshell has been used for centuries to make a range of decorative objects, including combs, brush handles, and other small items. It is also sometimes used to make tea caddies, as it is strong, durable, and can be polished to a high shine. The term “tortoiseshell” is used to describe these decorative items, even though they are made from the shells of sea turtles because the term has been used historically to refer to this material. If you are purchasing Tortoiseshell or Ivory pieces and are outside the UK 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 30 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. Georgian The Georgian era was a period in British history dating from 1714-1837, the Georgian era after the Hanoverian kings George I, George II, George III and George IV. 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.
