Description Dating to George III Circa 1810 From our Tea Caddy collection, we are delighted to present this Georgian tortoiseshell and silver tea caddy dating to the reign of George III, circa 1810. Of elegant oval form, the tea caddy is veneered in richly patterned tortoiseshell displaying warm amber and deep chestnut tones, framed by finely worked rippled silver mounts that provide both structure and visual contrast. The restrained decoration reflects the refined taste associated with high quality Georgian tea wares. The interior is fitted with a silver faced compartment featuring a distinctive pie crust rim and retains its tortoiseshell floating lid surmounted by a silver ball finial. This traditional configuration was designed to preserve the freshness and value of loose tea, which during the early nineteenth century remained a prized household commodity. Well executed examples combining tortoiseshell and silver are increasingly difficult to source, particularly in oval form. This caddy represents the level of craftsmanship expected of luxury domestic objects produced during the late Georgian period. The Tea Caddy comes complete with working lock and key. 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. 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.
