In the18th and 19th century most wealthy houses would own at least one tea caddy. As tea was an expensive commodity, it would often be kept under lock and key in wooden caddys. 
 
This is a mid 19th century mahogany tea caddy, with inlaid stringing to the edges and lid of the box, it has two seperate compartments, usually for green and black tea, both showing remnants of the silver foiled lining used to preserve the tea. The compartments both have lids with tiny turned bone handles, it bares a bone escutcheon plate and plaque on the lid of the caddy; this could be inscribed if required with initials or crest of the family who owned this lovely tea caddy.  This caddy would have originally had a key but this unfortunately has been separated from the caddy over time. The caddy still has the original pink patterned paper inside the lid and body.
 
From the front of the caddy it is in very good conditon. At the back there has been a repair to the wood around one hinge (see close up picture) there is also a split on one of the interior compartment lids. The four bun feet are original and in good condition.
 
Dimesions: 28cm x 14cm x 16cm high.