A handsome Georgian Regency mahogany tea caddy, dating to around 1810–1820, with a distinctive domed lid, ebonized line inlay, and original brass side ring handles. Resting on turned bun feet, this caddy is lined in an early floral red paper and features two interior compartments that once held separate varieties of tea.
Tea caddies of this era were more than functional storage; they symbolized refinement, status, and participation in the elegant ritual of tea drinking. Because tea was an expensive commodity, caddies were fitted with locks to keep their contents secure. The domed lid and understated neoclassical decoration place this example squarely in the Regency period, a time when elegance was expressed through proportion and fine craftsmanship rather than heavy ornament.
Though the inner lids are now missing, the box remains a striking piece of history. It offers both decorative appeal and a tangible connection to the Georgian tea ritual, making it a collectible accent for display in period interiors or modern styling.
Condition:
This tea caddy is in fair but presentable condition, showing honest age and use. The domed lid has a visible crack and is slightly top-heavy when open. The key is missing, and the two inner lids for the compartments are also lost. Veneer losses are present: at the bottom front edge and on one side panel. The interior paper lining, likely original or very early, shows wear, fading, and areas of loss but retains much of its charm. The brass side handles and turned bun feet are intact. Overall, while no longer pristine, the caddy retains a pleasing patina and remains an authentic example of an early 19th-century tea box.
No return or exchanges
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