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Tea Caddies For Sale
Antique Meiji Table Box, Japanese, Lacquered, Loose Leaf Tea Case, Victorian
Antique Meiji Table Box, Japanese, Lacquered, Loose Leaf Tea Case, Victorian

Antique Meiji Table Box, Japanese, Lacquered, Loose Leaf Tea Case, Victorian

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is an antique Meiji table box. A Japanese, lacquer loose leaf tea case, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900. Wonderful example of Japanese craftsmanship, with rich ...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Tea Caddies

Materials

Lacquer

Antique Original Continental Novelty Pear Fruit Tea Caddy
Antique Original Continental Novelty Pear Fruit Tea Caddy

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 ...

Category

Early 1800s German Georgian Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Sycamore

Antique Georgian Tea Caddy With Crossbanding. English C.1800
Antique Georgian Tea Caddy With Crossbanding. English C.1800

Antique Georgian Tea Caddy With Crossbanding. English C.1800

Located in St Annes, Lancashire

A fine Georgian tea caddy. Two compartments internally with original lids Tropical hardwood with cross banding to the top Fabulous grain particularly on the top Free UK shipping

Category

Early 1800s British Georgian Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Wood

Antique English Georgian Tea Caddy with Tea Plant Inlay
Antique English Georgian Tea Caddy with Tea Plant Inlay

Antique English Georgian Tea Caddy with Tea Plant Inlay

Located in Northampton, GB

FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING Georgian tea caddy with tea plant inlay dating to circa 1790, of octagonal form veneered in harewood and decorated with finely executed marquetry throughout...

Category

Late 18th Century English George III Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Wood, Boxwood, Harewood

Antique Continental Novelty Apple Fruit Tea Caddy Circa 1800
Antique Continental Novelty Apple Fruit Tea Caddy Circa 1800

Antique Continental Novelty Apple Fruit Tea Caddy Circa 1800

Located in Northampton, GB

FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING This antique apple fruit tea caddy is turned in sycamore and modelled as a natural apple, dating to circa 1800. Carved in a r...

Category

Early 1800s German George III Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Steel

Antique English Green Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy Georgian Period
Antique English Green Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy Georgian Period

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 tortoiseshell and mounted with silver stringing, a vacant silver initial plaque and matching silver escutcheon. The interior is faced in boxwood and fitted with two tortoiseshell lids, each mounted with turned bone handles. When removed, the lids reveal twin tea storage compartments retaining visible traces of their original lining. The tea caddy remains complete with a working lock and tasselled key and is a rare example of late eighteenth century tortoiseshell tea caddies.

Category

Late 18th Century English George III Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Shell

Antique Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy
Antique Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy

Antique Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy

Located in Northampton, GB

FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING This Antique Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy dates to the Georgian period during the reign of George III, circa 1800. The tea caddy is formed in an elegant octagona...

Category

Early 1800s English George III Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Shell, Wood, Boxwood

19th Century Anglo Chinese Padouk Tea Caddy
19th Century Anglo Chinese Padouk Tea Caddy

19th Century Anglo Chinese Padouk Tea Caddy

Located in Bedfordshire, GB

A Rare Mid 19th Century Anglo-Chinese Padouk Wood Rectangular Tea Caddy Having Attractive Silver Plate Mounted Decoration Throughout, The Hinged Lid Enclosing Two Lidded Divisions, W...

Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Victorian Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Padouk

Early 19th Century Chinese Export Lacquer Tea Caddy in Cylindrical Form
Early 19th Century Chinese Export Lacquer Tea Caddy in Cylindrical Form

Early 19th Century Chinese Export Lacquer Tea Caddy in Cylindrical Form

Located in Charlottesville, VA

A Chinese export tea caddy dating from the first half of the 19th century of cylindrical octagonal form in black lacquer with gilt decoration throughout. The body is decorated with f...

Category

Early 19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Antique Irish Georgian Hand Cut Crystal Sterling Silver Tea Caddy George III
Antique Irish Georgian Hand Cut Crystal Sterling Silver Tea Caddy George III

Antique Irish Georgian Hand Cut Crystal Sterling Silver Tea Caddy George III

Located in Dublin, Ireland

An exceptionally rare Irish George III hand cut full lead crystal single tea caddy of rectangular outline with canted corners and outstanding quality, first quarter of the nineteenth century. The finely chased silver mounted rim and hinged cover, hand cut with three bands of lozenges on a plain ground, decorative star cut base underneath. Condition: Exceptional condition for such an early piece, with no losses or clouding inside, silver mounts are unmarked but test positive for silver. Wonderful age wear underneath on base. Lock is present but key does not turn. Back and front views are similar. Measures: Height: 5.25” (13.5cm). Width: 3.75” (9.5cm). Depth: 3” (7.5cm). Location: Dublin City, Ireland. Stunning and rare Tea Caddy...

Category

18th Century Irish Georgian Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Crystal, Sterling Silver

Antique Rosewood Sarcophagus Shape British Tea Caddy
Antique Rosewood Sarcophagus Shape British Tea Caddy

Antique Rosewood Sarcophagus Shape British Tea Caddy

Located in Bridgeport, CT

British tea caddy finely crafted from rosewood and accentuated with a contrasting wood. It features a distinctive sarcophagus shape with a hinged, sloped lid, suede lined interior a...

Category

19th Century English Regency Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Brass

Magnificent Antique Silver Tea Caddy by William Hutton & Sons Ltd. - 1905
Magnificent Antique Silver Tea Caddy by William Hutton & Sons Ltd. - 1905

Magnificent Antique Silver Tea Caddy by William Hutton & Sons Ltd. - 1905

By William Hutton & Sons

Located in Bath, GB

A magnificent English Edwardian solid silver / sterling tea caddy sitting in it's original presentation case (with wear) from the retailer, "S. Smith & Son Ltd., By Appointment to H....

Category

Early 1900s British Edwardian Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Sterling Silver

Georgian 18th Century Rosewood Square Tea Caddy
Georgian 18th Century Rosewood Square Tea Caddy

Georgian 18th Century Rosewood Square Tea Caddy

Located in Bedfordshire, GB

An attractive and well figured, late 18th century Square rosewood tea caddy having boxwood Stringing and key escutcheon with original brass Hinges to...

Category

Late 18th Century English Georgian Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Rosewood

18th Century Star Inlaid Mahogany Georgian Tea Caddy
18th Century Star Inlaid Mahogany Georgian Tea Caddy

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...

Category

Late 18th Century English Georgian Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Mahogany

Geometrically Inlaid Georgian Rosewood Two Chamber Tea Caddy w/Sugar Bowl
Geometrically Inlaid Georgian Rosewood Two Chamber Tea Caddy w/Sugar Bowl

Geometrically Inlaid Georgian Rosewood Two Chamber Tea Caddy w/Sugar Bowl

Located in Chapel Hill, NC

Fine George III rosewood double chamber tea caddy with classical inspired geometric inlay of exotic woods including satinwood, mahogany, kingwood and palm. The rectangular case with ...

Category

Late 18th Century English Georgian Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Brass

Antique Scottish Mauchline Ware Tea Caddy by Smiths
Antique Scottish Mauchline Ware Tea Caddy by Smiths

Antique Scottish Mauchline Ware Tea Caddy by Smiths

Located in Northampton, GB

FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING Mauchline Ware tea caddy by Smiths, dating to the late Georgian period during the reign of George IV, circa 1830. The caddy of rectangular form is construct...

Category

Early 19th Century Scottish Georgian Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Wood, Sycamore

English Georgian Rosewood Tea Caddy C1830
English Georgian Rosewood Tea Caddy C1830

English Georgian Rosewood Tea Caddy C1830

Located in Big Flats, NY

An English Georgian rosewood tea caddy, dating from circa 1830. This antique piece showcases the rich, dark tones and distinctive grain of rosewood, a highly prized timber during the...

Category

Early 19th Century Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Rosewood

19th Century Napoleon III Wood Marquetry Teacaddy
19th Century Napoleon III Wood Marquetry Teacaddy

19th Century Napoleon III Wood Marquetry Teacaddy

Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant

A refined antique French tea caddy from the end of Napoleon III. The box is beautifully inlaid with different types of wood and brass, outside around ...

Category

1880s French Napoleon III Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Brass, Bronze

19th Century French Louis XIV Style Boulle Tea Caddy
19th Century French Louis XIV Style Boulle Tea Caddy

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 beau...

Category

19th Century French Louis XIV Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Wood

Antique Anglo Indian Tortoise Tea Caddy Box
Antique Anglo Indian Tortoise Tea Caddy Box

Antique Anglo Indian Tortoise Tea Caddy Box

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Rare and remarkable Anglo Indian box turtle tea caddy, the well marked upper shell hollowed and intricately filled with a star inlaid panel, the base with a lidded box, all in exotic...

Category

20th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Tea Caddies

Materials

Bone, Wood, Ebony, Mahogany, Hardwood

Handmade Victorian Burr Walnut & Inlay Tea Caddy With Brass Hinges
Handmade Victorian Burr Walnut & Inlay Tea Caddy With Brass Hinges

Handmade Victorian Burr Walnut & Inlay Tea Caddy With Brass Hinges

Located in Reading, Berkshire

A Handmade Victorian Burr Walnut & Inlay Tea Caddy With Brass Hinges A tea caddy is a box, jar, canister, or other receptacle used to store tea. When first introduced to Europe from Asia, tea was extremely expensive, and kept under lock and key. The containers used were often expensive and decorative, to fit in with the rest of a drawing-room or other reception room. Hot water was carried up from the kitchen, and the tea made...

Category

19th Century British Victorian Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Brass, Zinc

English 19th Century Domed Top Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy
English 19th Century Domed Top Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy

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

Category

19th Century English Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Tortoise Shell

Antique Regency Quality Mahogany Inlaid Tea Caddy
Antique Regency Quality Mahogany Inlaid Tea Caddy

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...

Category

19th Century English Regency Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Other

Georgian Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy
Georgian Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy

Georgian Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy

$6,993Sale Price|20% Off

Georgian Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy

Located in Northampton, GB

Oval Tea Caddy with Silver Mounts From our Tea Caddy collection, we are delighted to offer this Georgian Silver and Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy. The Tea Caddy is of oval shape with a Tortoiseshell exterior mounted with engraved silver stringing, a silver shield plaque below the silver escutcheon and a silver looped handle. The interior features a floating tea shelf...

Category

Early 1800s English George III Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Silver

Regency English Penwork Double Tea Caddy
Regency English Penwork Double Tea Caddy

Regency English Penwork Double Tea Caddy

Located in Downingtown, PA

Regency English Penwork Double Tea Caddy, England, Circa 1820 A striking example of Regency-era craftsmanship, this rectangular double tea caddy showcases the elegance and precision...

Category

Early 19th Century Regency Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Wood

Islamic Kashmir Hand Painted Paper Mache Tea Caddy Storage Box 1950s
Islamic Kashmir Hand Painted Paper Mache Tea Caddy Storage Box 1950s

Islamic Kashmir Hand Painted Paper Mache Tea Caddy Storage Box 1950s

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

Exquisite beauty of this antique Islamic Kashmiri Papier-Mâché Tea Caddy, a stunning storage box with a lid and copper metal lining. This hand-painted gem features intricate miniatur...

Category

Mid-20th Century Indian Islamic Tea Caddies

Materials

Copper

Antique Moroccan Silver Plated Tea Caddy Footed Candy Box
Antique Moroccan Silver Plated Tea Caddy Footed Candy Box

Antique Moroccan Silver Plated Tea Caddy Footed Candy Box

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

1920s Antique Moroccan Silver Plated Footed Tea Caddy with hinged lid. This authentic Moroccan brass silver plated box has a beautiful etched geometri...

Category

Early 20th Century Moroccan Moorish Tea Caddies

Materials

Silver Plate, Brass

Antique Continental Novelty Pear Fruit Tea Caddy
Antique Continental Novelty Pear Fruit Tea Caddy

Antique Continental Novelty Pear Fruit Tea Caddy

Located in Northampton, GB

Novelty Fruit Caddy From our Tea Caddy collection, we are delighted to offer this Continental Pear Fruit Tea Caddy. The Tea Caddy turned in Sycamore shaped as a Pear fruit with globu...

Category

Early 1800s European George III Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Cut Steel

19th Century English Blonde Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy
19th Century English Blonde Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy

19th Century English Blonde Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy

Located in Atlanta, GA

19th Century English Blonde Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy

Category

19th Century English Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Tortoise Shell

Antique Moroccan Tea Caddy in Brass, 1900s
Antique Moroccan Tea Caddy in Brass, 1900s

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...

Category

Early 1900s Moroccan Late Victorian Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Brass

Decorative Large Round Brass Box Caddy 19th C, North India
Decorative Large Round Brass Box Caddy 19th C, North India

Decorative Large Round Brass Box Caddy 19th C, North India

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

Beautiful 19th century large hand-crafted decorative round polished brass box with lid delicately and intricately hand-hammered with repousse floral...

Category

19th Century Indian Agra Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Brass

Pear form Tea Caddy
Pear form Tea Caddy

Pear form Tea Caddy

Located in Huntington, NY

Late 18th Century George III Pear form Fruitwood Tea Caddy With wooden stem, and an iron keyhole, escutcheon plate, its interior with remnants of the original silver leaf. The pi...

Category

Late 18th Century English George III Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Iron

George II Period Mahogany Tea Caddy, England, Circa 1730, Brass Handle
George II Period Mahogany Tea Caddy, England, Circa 1730, Brass Handle

George II Period Mahogany Tea Caddy, England, Circa 1730, Brass Handle

Located in Bedfordshire, GB

An 18th Century, George II Period, Mahogany Rectangular Tea Caddy Having Original Brass Swan Neck Handle To Hinged Top, Enclosing Three Interior Divisions And Elegant Canted Corners,...

Category

Early 18th Century English George II Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Mahogany

Elegant English Sterling Silver Tea Caddy - London 1902
Elegant English Sterling Silver Tea Caddy - London 1902

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. The hinged lid working perfectly ...

Category

Early 1900s British Edwardian Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Sterling Silver

Antique 19th Century Victorian Quality Rosewood Tea Caddy
Antique 19th Century Victorian Quality Rosewood Tea Caddy

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. In lovely...

Category

19th Century English Victorian Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Other

Regency Penwork Tea Caddy
Regency Penwork Tea Caddy

Regency Penwork Tea Caddy

Located in Bradenton, FL

English Regency Penwork Tea Caddy. This charming Regency period caddy features an all-over hand-decorated penwork design. The exterior is adorned with ...

Category

19th Century British Regency Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Wood

Georgian Burr Yew Conch Shell Tea Caddy
Georgian Burr Yew Conch Shell Tea Caddy

Georgian Burr Yew Conch Shell Tea Caddy

Located in Northampton, GB

Inlaid with Twin Conch Shells From our Tea Caddy collection, we are delighted to offer this beautiful antique Georgian Burr Yew wood Tea Caddy. The Tea Caddy of rectangular form wit...

Category

Late 18th Century English George III Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Yew

Georgian Walnut Rectangular Tea Caddy 18th Century
Georgian Walnut Rectangular Tea Caddy 18th Century

Georgian Walnut Rectangular Tea Caddy 18th Century

Located in Bedfordshire, GB

An Extremely Attractive Mid 18th Century George II Period Rectangular Walnut Tea Caddy Having Boxwood Strung Decoration Throughout And Original Brass Swan Neck Handle To Hinged Lid E...

Category

Mid-18th Century English George II Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Walnut

Rare Regency Architectural Pressed Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy
Rare Regency Architectural Pressed Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy

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...

Category

1810s British Regency Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Shell

Antique EnglisH Regency Tea Chest with Chinoiserie Decoration
Antique EnglisH Regency Tea Chest with Chinoiserie Decoration

Antique EnglisH Regency Tea Chest with Chinoiserie Decoration

Located in Northampton, GB

FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING Tea chest with Chinoiserie decoration, of rectangular sarcophagus form with a slightly tapered body and angled lid, raised upon four brass ball feet and dat...

Category

Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Sycamore

Antique English Georgian Harewood Tea Caddy
Antique English Georgian Harewood Tea Caddy

Antique English Georgian Harewood Tea Caddy

Located in Northampton, GB

FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING Georgian harewood tea caddy of elongated oval form, veneered in harewood with inlaid decoration and fitted interior. The exterior is finished in harewood, f...

Category

Late 18th Century English George III Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Wood, Harewood

Georgian Style Burton-Ching burl Walnut Regency Tea Caddy
Georgian Style Burton-Ching burl Walnut Regency Tea Caddy

Georgian Style Burton-Ching burl Walnut Regency Tea Caddy

Located in LOS ANGELES, CA

Georgian Style Burton-Ching burl Walnut Regency Tea Caddy

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Georgian Tea Caddies

Materials

Walnut

English Silver Plate Tea Caddy / Thin Biscuit
English Silver Plate Tea Caddy / Thin Biscuit

English Silver Plate Tea Caddy / Thin Biscuit

Located in Tarry Town, NY

Mid 19th century English sheffield silver plate tea caddy / thin biscuit with exterior design details and attached covered top . The tea caddy ...

Category

Mid-19th Century English Edwardian Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Silver Plate, Copper

Antique English Georgian Glazed Silk Embroidered Tea Caddy
Antique English Georgian Glazed Silk Embroidered Tea Caddy

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...

Category

Late 18th Century English George III Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Glass, Wood, Boxwood, Satinwood

English Regency Pagoda Form Tea Caddy
English Regency Pagoda Form Tea Caddy

English Regency Pagoda Form Tea Caddy

Located in Lyndhurst, NJ

Unusual pagoda form caddy finely figured veneers. Interior lids are original and match the exterior of the caddy, resting on brass ball feet

Category

Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Tortoise Shell

Antique 18c/19c English or French Enamel Bronze Mounted Tea Caddy Box
Antique 18c/19c English or French Enamel Bronze Mounted Tea Caddy Box

Antique 18c/19c English or French Enamel Bronze Mounted Tea Caddy Box

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A fine antique enamel tea caddy. With a gilt bronze mounted lid. In the South Staffordshire manner. Decorated with floral sprays and rocaille swags to all sides. Likely...

Category

Early 19th Century French Georgian Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Bronze, Enamel

Mother of Pearl Tea Caddy English Circa 1870
Mother of Pearl Tea Caddy English Circa 1870

Mother of Pearl Tea Caddy English Circa 1870

Located in Dallas, TX

A beautiful Victorian tea caddy clad in luminous mother of pearl with exceptional iridescence and elegant proportions. Rich in character and craftsmanship, this exquisite box reflect...

Category

1870s English Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Wood

Antique 19th Century French Beaux-Arts Silver-Mounted Enamel Tea Caddy by Risler
Antique 19th Century French Beaux-Arts Silver-Mounted Enamel Tea Caddy by Risler

Antique 19th Century French Beaux-Arts Silver-Mounted Enamel Tea Caddy by Risler

By Risler & Carré

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A fine antique French enamel tea caddy. Mounted with gilt silver mounts. By Risler of Paris. Decorated with polychrome birds or paradise, rock outcroppings, and flowers/flor...

Category

19th Century French Beaux Arts Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Silver, Enamel

Antique Tea Caddy, English, Satinwood, Box, Mixing Glass, Regency, circa 1830
Antique Tea Caddy, English, Satinwood, Box, Mixing Glass, Regency, circa 1830

Antique Tea Caddy, English, Satinwood, Box, Mixing Glass, Regency, circa 1830

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is an antique tea caddy. An English, rosewood and satinwood container with glass mixer, dating to the late Regency period, circa 1830. Delightful R...

Category

Mid-19th Century British Regency Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Satinwood

Antique Victorian Royal Horse Racing Prize Tea Chest with Silver Tea Caddies
Antique Victorian Royal Horse Racing Prize Tea Chest with Silver Tea Caddies

Antique Victorian Royal Horse Racing Prize Tea Chest with Silver Tea Caddies

By Sebastian Crespel II

Located in Northampton, GB

Awarded at Fernhill 18th August 1843 From our Tea Caddy collection, we are thrilled to offer this Ebonised Tea Chest given as a Royal Prize is 1843. The Tea Chest of rectangular for...

Category

Mid-19th Century English Early Victorian Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Silver

19th Century English Sheffield Silver Plate / Oak Tea Caddy
19th Century English Sheffield Silver Plate / Oak Tea Caddy

19th Century English Sheffield Silver Plate / Oak Tea Caddy

By Sheffield

Located in Tarry Town, NY

Indulge in the timeless elegance of this 19th Century English Sheffield Silver Plate Tea Caddy, expertly framed with rich oak. This tea caddy represents a harmonious fusion of functi...

Category

Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Silver Plate

Prince of Wales Inlaid Octagonal Box
Prince of Wales Inlaid Octagonal Box

Prince of Wales Inlaid Octagonal Box

Located in Greenwich, CT

George III octagonal mahogany and boxwood inlaid box with unusual Price of Wales feather inlay, the edges strung in boxwood or holly, retaining pleasing old finish and original lock,...

Category

1790s English Georgian Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Boxwood, Mahogany

Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy, England Circa 1820
Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy, England Circa 1820

Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy, England Circa 1820

Located in Dallas, TX

An exceptional early nineteenth-century tortoiseshell tea caddy of fine Georgian craftsmanship, presented in fabulous condition. Rich coloration and a beautiful natural patina highli...

Category

1920s English Vintage Tea Caddies

Materials

Tortoise Shell

Regency Burr Yew Wood Tea Caddy, Ormolu Handles, England, Circa 1820
Regency Burr Yew Wood Tea Caddy, Ormolu Handles, England, Circa 1820

Regency Burr Yew Wood Tea Caddy, Ormolu Handles, England, Circa 1820

Located in Bedfordshire, GB

A Delightful Early 19th Century, Regency Period, Burr Yew Wood Tea Caddy Of Sarcophagus Form Having Boxwood Strung Decoration, Original Ormolu Handles To Side...

Category

Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Yew

Vintage, New and Antique Tea Caddies

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.