Imported from the UK, from my most recent buying trip
6.5" H X 8.5" W X 4.75" D
This antique English tea caddy dates to the late Victorian to early Edwardian period, circa 1890–1910, and stands out for its unusual combination of solid oak and bold silver-plated mounts in a stylized Gothic or heraldic design. Most tea caddies of the period were made in mahogany or rosewood, making this oak example especially distinctive. The silver-plated escutcheons and corner mounts are more than decorative—they reflect the late 19th-century fascination with revivalist design and the enduring British fondness for medieval-inspired ornamentation. The hinged lid opens to reveal a double compartment interior with original lidded inserts and small brass knobs, which would have held two varieties of loose leaf tea. A rare survival, this box also bears a small numbered registration plaque inside the lid—stamped “B.O.M 457”—suggesting it may have once belonged to a formal institution, club, or household inventory. The heavy gauge of the mounts and the quality of construction indicate this was not a common production piece, but rather one that was either custom made or produced in very limited numbers.
*Internal divider is not removable*
Total internal dimensions - 3.25" H x 7.75" W x 3.9" D
Condition:
The condition is overall excellent for its age, with a well-preserved patina to the oak and only minor signs of wear consistent with use. The silver-plated mounts remain firmly attached and retain a bright, attractive finish with subtle surface wear in keeping with their age. The interior compartments are intact and clean, and the hinges operate smoothly. There is no key, but the escutcheon is present and original. A few faint marks and surface scuffs are visible upon close inspection, none of which detract from the piece’s character or function.
No return or exchanges
Buyer can contact seller about any issues with an order.
