Description:
TC104: A fine inlaid harewood tea caddy of oval form the front directly inlaid with maple and fruit wood depicting a basket of fruit on trailing branches: grapes and cherries. The basket is suspended from a bow which is integrated within the design of the escutcheon. The lively composition is most unusual. The sensitive design and treatment of the escutcheon shows a mastery of form and purpose. The inlay is given further definition with fine engraved penwork. Circa 1790.

Origin UK: Circa 1790: Materials: mahogany maple and fruitwood

Size: 19cm wide by 11cm deep by 13cm high: 7.5 inches 4.3 inches deep by 5.1 inches high.

Condition: good overall,  working lock and key,  see images.
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.
 In the main the caddy is in good original condition. The flat top part has had a refinishing coat of polish, however the traces of original 18th century varnish and fading are visible through it. See detail photos below. Inside the caddy has traces of its original leading.

There are further images of this caddy at: http://hygra.com/uk/tc/tc104/ 

The basket is suspended from a bow which is integrated within the design of the escutcheon. The lively composition is most unusual. The sensitive design and treatment of the escutcheon shows a mastery of form and purpose. The inlay is given further definition with fine engraved penwork.

The top is inlaid with an oval medallion depicting a basket of flowers including carnations and roses.  For comparison see www.hygra.com
/tc/tcbx22d.htm 

There are similarities of inlay, construction, form, and hardware. 

 

 The underside is felted. The felt is clearly of two dates.  there is a small piece of the darkened maple edge .

Detail:  The caddy retains its original lock and key; the lock is gently curved following the profile of  the caddy.

 Inside the caddy has traces of its original leading.