Rare Regency Architectural Pressed Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy
Located in Northampton, GB
Pressed Tortoiseshell Design From our Tea Caddy collection, we are delighted to offer this Regency Architectural Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy. The Tea Caddy of bombe form with flared bas...
Shell
Antique Regency Quality Mahogany Inlaid Tea Caddy
Located in Suffolk, GB
Antique Regency quality mahogany inlaid tea caddy having inlaid satinwood stringing, original ornate brass handles and escutcheon, lift up lid opening to reveal two tea caddies Dim...
Other
A late George III mahogany tea caddy
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A late George III mahogany tea caddy, of rectangular form the hinged top opening to reveal three compartments with sliding lids, with silver mounts including a foliate scroll handle,...
Mahogany
19th Century English Papier Mâché Tea Caddy
Located in San Francisco, CA
Lovely old papier mâché tea caddy with inlaid mother-of-pearl and hand-painted decoration, England, 19th century.
Mother-of-Pearl, Paper
19th Century English Regency Mahogany Tea Caddy
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th century English Regency Mahogany Tea Caddy with Flame Motif on four Bun Feet. Lock is signed by maker.
Mahogany
Regency Rosewood Tea Caddy, England, circa 1830
Located in San Francisco, CA
A rosewood tea caddy with Bombay shape and canted top. Having a pair of lion mask brass handles on each end and sitting on claw and ball feet. The interior fitted with two lidded tea...
Rosewood
19th Century English Rosewood Teapoy Tea Caddy
Located in San Francisco, CA
An unusual and large William IV rosewood teapoy or tea caddy in beautiful original condition. The glass mixing bowl is missing, England, circa 1830.
Rosewood
Two Chinese Export Lacquered Tea Caddy for the English Market, Priced Per Caddy
Located in Buchanan, MI
Together with a Chinese export lacquered box with remnants of gilt decoration (5 1/2" x 12" x 8") Tea caddy: 4 1/2" x 8" x 5".
Wood
Antique Original Continental Novelty Pear Fruit Tea Caddy
Located in Northampton, GB
FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING The Tea Caddy turned in Sycamore shaped as a natural Pear fruit in bulbous form with slightly tapered lid surmounted by a naturalistic stalk to the top and ...
Sycamore
Antique English Solid Sterling Silver Tea Caddy - 1902
By Thomas Bradbury & Sons Ltd.
Located in Bath, GB
A fabulous Edwardian tea caddy in the form of a wooden Sheraton tea caddy with what would have been conch shell motif inlays. Just returned from our silversmith's workshop where it ...
Sterling Silver
Porcelain Tea Caddy Germany by Meissen, 1820s - 1830s
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Rīga, LV
Porcelain tea caddy, Meissen, Germany, 1820s - 1830s Additional Information: Materials: Porcelain, silver, gilding, underglaze hand painting Vintage from the 1900s Artist/Maker...
Silver
Georgian 18th Century Mahogany Sarcophagus Shaped Tea Caddy
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
A Good Quality Late 18th Century George III Period Mahogany Tea Caddy, Of Sarcophagus Form, Having Boxwood Strung Decoration, Original Brasswear And Hinged Lid Enclosing Lidded Stora...
American Mahogany
Antique English Green Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy Georgian Period
Located in Northampton, GB
FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING Green tortoiseshell tea caddy dating to the Georgian period, circa 1790 during the reign of George III. The exterior is finished in vibrant green tortoisesh...
Shell
Georgian Yew Tea Caddy With Floral Inlaid Decoration
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
A Fine Quality George III Period, Late 18th Century, Yew Wood Tea Caddy Of Octagonal Form, Having Lift Up Lid Enclosing Two Divisions And Exceptional Floral Inlaid Deocration To Oval...
Yew
Antique Regency Tea Caddy, Mahogany, Early 19th Century
Located in Stamford, CT
This stunning antique Regency tea caddy is a beautiful example of early 19th-century craftsmanship. Meticulously constructed, it features a rich mahogany veneer with a warm, deep lus...
Mahogany
Georgian Hexagonal Shaped Mahogany Tea Caddy 18th Century
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
A Very Good Quality Late 18th Century, George III Period, Mahogany Hexagonal Shaped Tea Caddy, Having Elegant Conch Shell Inlaid To Hinged Top, Enclosing Lidded Interior With Origina...
Mahogany
Georgian Antique Original English Paper Scroll Tea Caddy
Located in Northampton, GB
Free Worldwide Shipping George III Circa 1780 From our Tea Caddy collection, we are delighted to offer this Antique Paper Scroll Tea Caddy. The Tea Caddy of elongated hexagonal for...
Wood, Paper
Antique Scottish Mauchline Ware Tea Caddy by Smiths
Located in Northampton, GB
The tea caddy is complete with a working lock and tasselled key.
Wood, Sycamore
Antique English Tea Caddy in Penwork Regency Period
Located in Northampton, GB
FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING The tea caddy of sarcophagus form is raised on gilt brass claw feet and constructed with a sycamore carcass and hinged lid. The exterior is finely decorated ...
Sycamore
19th Century Chinese Export Lacquer Tea Caddy
Located in Mt Kisco, NY
The burgundy / brown lacquer is decorated with gold depicting figures and buildings in a landscape. The caddy stands on four carved wooden feet in the shape of claws. The interior co...
Paper
Antique English Georgian Glazed Silk Embroidered Tea Caddy
Located in Northampton, GB
Octagonal Shape with Glazed Panels From our Tea Caddy collection, we are delighted to bring to market this wonderful example Georgian Glazed Silk Embroidered Tea Caddy. The Tea Cad...
Glass, Wood, Boxwood, Satinwood
Georgian 18th Century Satinwood Tea Caddy Butterfly Inlay
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
A Very Good Quality And Attractive Late 18th Century George III Period Satinwood Tea Caddy, With Extremely Unusual And Elegant Butterfly Inlaid Decoration To Hinged Top, Enclosing St...
Satinwood
Georgian Antique Burr Yew Canted Corner Tea Caddy
Located in Northampton, GB
Free Worldwide Shipping Tea Leave Inlaid Canted Corners From our Tea Caddy Collection, we are pleased to offer this beautiful George III Burr Yew Canted Corner Tea Caddy. The Antiq...
Boxwood, Satinwood, Yew
Quality antique Victorian tunbridge ware inlaid tea caddy
Located in Ipswich, GB
Quality antique Victorian tunbridge ware inlaid tea caddy having a lovely antique Victorian tunbridge ware inlaid tea caddy with beautiful detail to the box opening to reveal two rec...
Wood
Antique Gillows Tea Caddy, Ebony & Satinwood, Circa 1795
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Late Georgian/Regency Period Tea Caddy "Optic/Medallion" Tea Caddy Attributed to Gillows of Lancaster A stunningly constructed English Sheraton-period tea caddy dating to the late ...
Foil
Outstanding Quality Antique Victorian Burr Walnut Tea Caddy
Located in Suffolk, GB
Outstanding quality antique Victorian burr walnut tea caddy having a fabulous burr walnut box with an ornate engraved brass top opening to reveal two burr walnut arched top tea caddi...
Walnut
Early 19th Century Chinese Export Lacquer Tea Caddy
Located in Charlottesville, VA
A large octagonal form Chinese export tea caddy in black lacquer decorated throughout in gilt and red with figural garden scenes, pavilions, and dense scrolling foliage. The lid pane...
Wood, Lacquer, Paint
18th Century Star Inlaid Mahogany Georgian Tea Caddy
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
A Very Good Quality Georgian 18th Century Mahogany Rectangular Tea Caddy, Of Good Colour And Patina Throughout, Having Attractive Inlaid Stars And Chequered Strung Decoration, The Hi...
Mahogany
Elegant English Sterling Silver Tea Caddy - London 1902
By Horace Woodward & Co. Ltd.
Located in Bath, GB
A stunning tea caddy, oval in shape with a simple elegant body and domed lid, both upper and lower rims beautifully decorated with a raised border.
Sterling Silver
Antique George III Sterling Silver Locking Tea Caddy
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Georgian English sterling silver locking tea caddy; an addition to our silver teaware collection. This exceptional antique Georgian ste...
Sterling Silver
English 19th Century Domed Top Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy
Located in Atlanta, GA
English 19th Century Domed Top Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy with Silver Inlay and Ball feet
Tortoise Shell
Antique 19th Century Victorian Quality Rosewood Tea Caddy
Located in Suffolk, GB
Antique 19th Century Victorian quality rosewood tea caddy having a lift up top opening to reveal a fitted interior with a pair of lidded tea boxes and a glass mixing bowl.
Other
Fantastic quality antique regency coromandel wood tea caddy
Located in Ipswich, GB
Fantastic quality antique regency coromandel wood tea caddy having a quality coromandel wood tea caddy with ringlet carrying handles to both sides and a lift up top opening to reveal...
Wood
Georgian Mahogany Tea Caddy With Floral Inlaid Decoration
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
A Fine Quality George III Period, Late 18th Century, Mahogany Tea Caddy Of Octagonal Form, Having Lift Up Lid Enclosing Two Lidded Divisions And Exceptional Floral Inlaid Deocration ...
Mahogany
Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy With Inlaid Mother Of Pearl
Located in Dallas, TX
Tortoiseshell tea caddy with inlaid mother of pearl from England. Metal lined under two lids. Excellent condition, circa 1860.
Tortoise Shell, Mother-of-Pearl
$265Sale Price|42% Off
Antique Moroccan Tea Caddy in Brass, 1900s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Late 19th or early 20th century Teacaddy in Hand engraved and embossed brass. Great rich patina that along with its details give it a certain charm. It has a hinged lid that works ju...
Brass
Mid 19th Century Silver Plate Tea Caddy Container
Located in Charlottesville, VA
Silver plate tea caddy. A beautiful English traditional accent. It’s well worn with lots of charm.
Silver Plate
Antique English George III Tuscan Column Tea Caddy
Located in Northampton, GB
With Tuscan Columns & Fan Inlay. From our Tea Caddy collection, we are pleased to offer this Georgian Harewood Tea Caddy. The Tea Caddy of octagonal shape with a Harewood veneer ext...
Boxwood
A harewood marquetry tea caddy with Royal Provenance
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A harewood marquetry tea caddy with Royal Provenance, of oval form with a hinged lid opening to reveal two zinc lined compartments, decorated in fruitwood and boxwood marquetry with ...
Hardwood
Fine Antique Regency Inlaid Brass Rosewood Tea Caddy
Located in Suffolk, GB
Fine antique Regency inlaid brass rosewood tea caddy having a spectacular inlaid brass top and carved moulded rosewood edge, lift up lid opening to reveal a fitted interior with the ...
Brass, Other
Bugbear Coconut Tea Caddy on Silver Dolphin Base
Located in Dallas, TX
A Bugbear coconut tea caddy mounted on a silver dolphin base. Bugbear coconuts were carved by sailors on long voyages in the 18th and early 19th centuries.
Silver
Antique Indian Silver Tea Caddy by Grish Chunder Dutt
By Grish Chunder Dutt
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The anterior surface of the cover features the hinged catch which secures to the applied moulded ornamentation to the box's shoulders. This churn style antique tea caddy was craft...
Silver
$1,177Sale Price|20% Off
Enamel Tea Caddy Vienna 18th Century with Landscape
Located in Epfach, DE
A very nice enamel tea caddy, Vienna 18th century, paintings with landscape and couples on all sides and on the top and gold ornamentation.
Enamel
English Shagreen Tea Caddy 19th with Bone Finial
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique English shagreen cased six sided wooden tea caddy with nice silver mounts, bone finial and undivided interior. Comes with small silver pin to unlock. Missing two of its small...
Silver
Classical 19th Century Gilded Ormolu Embossed Tea Caddy
By Elkington & Co.
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A wonderful fine quality 19th century classical embossed tea caddy, having Bacchus like scenes of children playing, a goat and horse and much jollity. Elkington style.
Ormolu
Georgian Mahogany 18th Century Tea Caddy, circa 1780
Located in Incline Village, NV
Nice mellow patina on this 18th century English mahogany tea caddy with three interior compartments. Two end sections have incised geometric carved lids. Tapered all around from top ...
Wood
19th Century English Tunbridge Ware Marquetry Tea Caddy
Located in Forney, TX
A well-made antique, circa 1830, English tea caddy with stunning marquetry inlays, warm coloring, superb detailing, and luminous rich patina!
Brass
Antique English Inlaid Mahogany Tea Caddy, circa 1790
Located in Bath, GB
A very handsome George III tea caddy, made from Mahogany and beautifully inlaid with panels and highly decorative foliate marquetry to the front and top. The top has a handsome cast ...
Mahogany
English George III Chippendale Style Inlay Mahogany Tea Caddy
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This handsome inlay mahogany bombe form tea caddy on bracket feet retains its original gilt brass hardware. The hand chased brass canisters and the lock and key are also original!
Mahogany
Georgian Mahogany Tea Caddy, Inlaid Decoration, England, Circa 1790
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
A Late 18th century Georgian Period Mahogany Oblong tea caddy having very attractive inlaid decoration to front and hinged top enclosing double lidded interior with original paper fo...
Mahogany
English Regency Mauchline Ware Tea Caddy by Stiven Scotland
Located in Northampton, GB
FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING A Regency period Mauchline Ware Tea Caddy by the Scottish firm Stiven dating to circa 1820. The tea caddy is of bowed square form crafted in sycamore and d...
Wood
Dutch Regency Tortoiseshell, Bone & Silver Tea Caddy, Circa 1820
Located in Atlanta, GA
A rare early 19th-century Dutch tortoiseshell tea caddy, circa 1820, of refined casket form with a softly domed hinged lid, canted serpentine corners, and richly figured tortoiseshel...
Bone, Parchment
Antique English Victorian Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy by Saunders & Shepherd
By Cornelius Desormeaux Saunders and James Francis Hollings Shepherd
Located in Northampton, GB
FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING This late Victorian tortoiseshell tea caddy by Saunders & Shepherd dates to 1895 and is designed in an elegant sarcophagus form raised upon sterling silver b...
Sterling Silver
Antique English Georgian Silver Tea Caddy by William Vincent
By William Vincent
Located in Northampton, GB
Hallmarked Sterling by William Vincent of London Dated 1779 From our Tea Caddy collection, we are delighted to offer this Georgian Sterling Silver Tea Caddy. The Tea Caddy of slight...
Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Tea Caddy by John Round & Son Ltd
By John Round & Son Ltd. 1
Located in Northampton, GB
FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING Sterling silver tea caddy of cylindrical form with a slightly tapered body, dating to 1911. The caddy stands on three straight legs and is cast with swags of...
Sterling Silver
19th Century Chinese Export Gilt and Lacquerware tea Caddy
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This China Trade Tea box features intricately painted Chinese scenes, and retains its original hand chased metal liner.
Lacquer
19th Century French Louis XIV Style Boulle Tea Caddy
Located in Bradenton, FL
19th Century French rectangular boulle tea caddy. Tea caddy has original double tea compartments with covers. Outer portion of tea caddy features beautifully inlaid brass and red mar...
Wood
Mid 19th century Chinese export hand painted tea caddy
Located in Allentown, PA
This is a mid 19th century handpainted Chinese export tea caddy. This tea Caddy stands on four hand carved miniature foo dog sculpted feet. This tea caddy has its original pewter lin...
Wood
Antique German Silver Tea Caddy, 800 Standard, Circa 1800
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive, antique German silver tea caddy; an addition to our silver teaware collection. This exceptional antique 800 standard silver tea caddy has a rect...
Silver
19th Century English Rosewood Tea Caddy With Bronze Inlay
Located in Tampa, FL
This exquisite English tea caddy is a masterpiece of elegance and craftsmanship, crafted from rich rosewood and adorned with intricate bronze inlay.
Bronze
There are lots of uses for your vintage, new or antique tea caddies, but they can certainly serve their original intended purpose if needed.
When tea first gained popularity during the 1800s, and teatime became commonplace in homes all over England, it was an expensive commodity owing to excessive taxation. (This, of course, inevitably yielded a black market for tea leaves.) Tea drinkers hoarded their precious goods, which began to arrive in London ports from China during the 17th century, under lock and key. In luxury homes, tea leaves were stowed away in a decorative jar or canister called a tea caddy that was fitted with a lock, or, alternatively, the container was kept in a secured chest or storage cabinet.
Tea was thought to be not just a delicious drink but also to have medicinal benefits. The Chinese had been praising the healthy properties of tea, and wealthy Europeans were eager to discover its benefits for themselves during their ritual afternoon tea. The idea of “teatime” wasn’t a social event in upper-class British homes until the 1830s or 1840s. During Queen Victoria’s reign, small baked treats might be served with your beverage, and teakettles and coffeepots were part of tea services that could include teacups, saucers, a milk pot and other accessories.
When tea cultivation was relegated to British colonies such as India, and the British East India Company could no longer hold onto its trade monopoly with China, tea was no longer a ritual confined to the wealthy. Today, antique and vintage tea caddies are collector’s items all over the world.
Tea caddies weren’t unique to Europeans. The earliest pieces originated in China. Surviving hand-painted examples from China or elsewhere in Asia made of porcelain might feature enameled landscapes or other designs. At the Taft Museum of Art, there are striking enameled 18th-century-era tea caddies of copper that were given to the institution in 2014. Wooden tea caddies materialized over time and were seen as sturdier than their ceramic counterparts.
Today, there are all kinds of ways to use a vintage tea caddy if you’re passing on tea. They’re a welcome decorative flourish on the mantel in your living room, for example. A metal tea caddy, lined with a plastic bag, can be used to cultivate an herb garden on your kitchen windowsill. An old wooden tea caddy can help keep your paper clips or pushpins organized on your desk too. If you’re always on the go, a tea tin is good for packing earbuds, hand sanitizer, gum or whatever else that might get easily lost in a roomy crossbody messenger bag or other shoulder bag.
Teatime or not, find antique and vintage mid-century modern tea caddies, tortoiseshell caddies and more on 1stDibs.
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Even for those who don’t indulge, elegant smoking accessories and audacious art portraying cigar enthusiasts hold a nostalgic allure.
It’s an excellent example of the sought-after ceramics coming out of South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province.
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The free-form stoneware piece is inspired by the magnolia tree and its associations with home.