Description:
TC538: 18th century tea caddy veneered in figured walnut and having a brass carrying handle and escutcheon. Inside he caddy has one compartment which is lined with lead foil. However there is evidence that the caddy had three compartments previously. Circa 1770.

Origin: UK;  Circa: 1760  Materials:

Size: It measures 8.2 inches wide  by 4.1 inches deep and it is 4.8 inches  high: 20.8 cm wide by10.4  cm deep by12.2 cm high.

Condition: good overall,  working lock and key,  see images. There are some old restorations to the veneer.
As each person has different criteria and antiques by their very nature have wear  please enlarge the images and ask for extra information as needed. 

This is one of the early chest shaped caddies. It is rare in that it is in walnut and not in mahogany, looking back to the earlier part of the 18th century.

Side view.

Back view. The caddy looks deceptively  simple but in fact the framing and dark and light -boxwood and ebony- stringing shows that care and artistic judgment played an important part in its composition. 

Other side.

The top composed with the same framing and stringing with a carrying handle.

Detail of top.

Inside he caddy has one compartment which is lined with lead foil.   However there is evidence that the caddy had three compartments previously.