A tortoiseshell caddy of curvilinear form, the lid conforming to the shape of the lower part of the box, to the extent that it looks as if it is curving inwards. It is decorated with mother of pearl inlay in a floral design. 

The caddy stands on  turned ivory feet.

The decoration and the form  of the front is particularly complex being simultaneously curved in two plains.  Circa 1840. 

Click on the images to enlarge them.

The caddy is 15cm high, 19 cm wide and 10cm deep; 6 inches high by 7.5  inches wide and 4 inches deep.

Inside there are twin compartments for tea each with their separate tortoiseshell lids. These have turned ivory handles. The inside of the lid is lined with velvet.

The facings are ivory

Inside the caddy is a letter from the British Broadcasting Corporation, BBC dated 11th April 1968.

It reads: 

You obviously possess a very nice tortoiseshell tea caddy inlaid with mother of pearl - its date appears to be about 1820.

Thanking you for sending the photographs which are returned herewith.

Yours Sincerely 

pp Arthur G. Negus.

 

Dictated by Mr Negus
Signed in his absence.

 

Arthur Negus appeared as a panel member on the television series Going for a Song (1966–76) where he was called upon to give his opinion on the value of antiques. 

In 1982 he presented Arthur Negus Enjoys (1982) He was on the  The Antiques Roadshow (1982–83). 

He also wrote books, including Going for a Song: English Furniture (1969) and A Life Among Antiques (1982).