Skip to main content

Tea Caddies

to
58
450
4
3
271
201
Height
to
Width
to
457
457
457
1
1
Tea Caddies For Sale
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 English Satinwood Wooden Georgian Regency Double Tea Caddy 19th Century
Antique English Satinwood Wooden Georgian Regency Double Tea Caddy 19th Century

Antique English Satinwood Wooden Georgian Regency Double Tea Caddy 19th Century

By Gillows of Lancaster & London

Located in Dublin, Ireland

Impressive English Georgian Sheraton Period Flame Grain Satinwood Double Tea Caddy of outstanding quality and workmanship and compact size. Circa 1800-20. The hinged lid cross band...

Category

Early 19th Century English Georgian Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Mahogany, Satinwood

Antique English Inlaid Mahogany Tea Caddy, circa 1790
Antique English Inlaid Mahogany Tea Caddy, circa 1790

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 ...

Category

1790s English George III Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Mahogany

English Chinoiserie Tea Caddy with Dual Interior Canisters, 19th Century
English Chinoiserie Tea Caddy with Dual Interior Canisters, 19th Century

English Chinoiserie Tea Caddy with Dual Interior Canisters, 19th Century

Located in Wichita, KS

19th Century English Chinoiserie Tea Caddy with Dual Interior Canisters A 19th century English chinoiserie tea caddy of faceted octagonal form, raised on carved paw feet and decorat...

Category

Mid-19th Century English Chinoiserie Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Metal

Antique English Mahogany Wooden Georgian Regency Double Tea Caddy 18h Century
Antique English Mahogany Wooden Georgian Regency Double Tea Caddy 18h Century

Antique English Mahogany Wooden Georgian Regency Double Tea Caddy 18h Century

Located in Dublin, Ireland

Impressive English Georgian Period Conch Shell Flame Grain Mahogany Single Teacaddy of outstanding quality and workmanship and compact size. Circa 1790. The hinged lid cross banded ...

Category

Early 19th Century English Georgian Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Mahogany, Satinwood

Pair of Antique 18th Century French Enamel Tea Caddies Circa 1780-1790
Pair of Antique 18th Century French Enamel Tea Caddies Circa 1780-1790

Pair of Antique 18th Century French Enamel Tea Caddies Circa 1780-1790

Located in London, GB

Pair of 18th century French enamel tea caddies in excellent condition. The exterior pastoral scenes on each panel including the lids are all well executed. The interiors are clean ...

Category

1780s French Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Copper, Enamel

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

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 mid 19th Century Rosewood tea caddy
Antique mid 19th Century Rosewood tea caddy

Antique mid 19th Century Rosewood tea caddy

Located in Allentown, PA

This is a 19th century handmade Rosewood tea caddy. This tea caddy has his original glass disposable in the center with two compartments on either side. The tea caddy stands on four ...

Category

Mid-19th Century American American Empire Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Wood

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

Regency Brass Bound Rosewood Fitted Traveling Dressing Box
Regency Brass Bound Rosewood Fitted Traveling Dressing Box

Regency Brass Bound Rosewood Fitted Traveling Dressing Box

Located in Huntington, NY

Regency Brass Bound Rosewood Fitted traveling , dressing box With fitted interior, containing 2 fragrance bottles. Silver lidded makeup Jars, a mir...

Category

Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Silver, Brass

Quality antique Victorian tunbridge ware inlaid tea caddy
Quality antique Victorian tunbridge ware inlaid tea caddy

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...

Category

Early 19th Century Victorian Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Wood

Stunning Late 1800s Gothic Revival Walnut & Brass Tea Caddy Box W. Great Patina
Stunning Late 1800s Gothic Revival Walnut & Brass Tea Caddy Box W. Great Patina

Stunning Late 1800s Gothic Revival Walnut & Brass Tea Caddy Box W. Great Patina

Located in Lisse, NL

A very pleasing, late 19th century, double compartment tea caddy. This marvellous and rare tea caddy is in very good condition and the burl walnut has a truly warm, deep and rich pa...

Category

Late 19th Century English Gothic Revival Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Bronze, Brass

English Rosewood Tea Caddy With Satinwood Banding & Claw Feet 19thC
English Rosewood Tea Caddy With Satinwood Banding & Claw Feet 19thC

English Rosewood Tea Caddy With Satinwood Banding & Claw Feet 19thC

Located in Big Flats, NY

An 19th Century English Rosewood Tea Caddy, presented on a pedestal stand. This fine antique piece is crafted from rosewood, showcasing its distinctive grain, and is adorned with sat...

Category

19th Century Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Rosewood

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

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 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

English Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy
English Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy

English Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy

Located in Dallas, TX

A lovely bow front tortoiseshell tea caddy inlaid with mother of pearl flowers and topped with a silver badge. English, circa 1870.

Category

1870s English Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Silver

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

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

Georgian Octagonal Tea Caddy, Partridgewood, England, Circa 1780
Georgian Octagonal Tea Caddy, Partridgewood, England, Circa 1780

Georgian Octagonal Tea Caddy, Partridgewood, England, Circa 1780

Located in Bedfordshire, GB

A Rare Partridgewood, Late 18th Century Georgian Tea Caddy, Of Octagonal Form Having Attractive Inlaid Decoration And Hinged Lid Enclosing Two Lidded Divisions. Partridge wood is a...

Category

Late 18th Century English Georgian Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Other

19th century French oak and brass mounted tea caddy by Tahan of Paris C1880
19th century French oak and brass mounted tea caddy by Tahan of Paris C1880

19th century French oak and brass mounted tea caddy by Tahan of Paris C1880

Located in Central England, GB

A most impressive and highly decorative French large size double tea caddy made in tightly grained rich oak. The rectangular box stands on circular shaped brass feet with brass bea...

Category

Late 19th Century French Louis Philippe Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Brass

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

19th Century English Rosewood Tea Caddy With Bronze Inlay
19th Century English Rosewood Tea Caddy With Bronze Inlay

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. Resting on ornate bronze feet, th...

Category

1880s English Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Bronze

Georgian Harewood Tea Caddy
Georgian Harewood Tea Caddy

Georgian Harewood Tea Caddy

$2,641Sale Price|35% Off

Georgian Harewood 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...

Category

Late 18th Century English George III Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Boxwood, Harewood

19th Century Chinese Export Lacquer Tea Caddy
19th Century Chinese Export Lacquer Tea Caddy

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 contains a single pewter canister...

Category

19th Century English Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Paper

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

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

Georgian 18th Century Satinwood Tea Caddy Butterfly Inlay
Georgian 18th Century Satinwood Tea Caddy Butterfly Inlay

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...

Category

Late 18th Century English George III Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Satinwood

1970's Mexican Don S. Shoemaker Set of 4 Mixed Woods Spice Boxes / Tea Caddies
1970's Mexican Don S. Shoemaker Set of 4 Mixed Woods Spice Boxes / Tea Caddies

1970's Mexican Don S. Shoemaker Set of 4 Mixed Woods Spice Boxes / Tea Caddies

By Don S. Shoemaker

Located in Mexico City, MX

A 1970's Mexican mixed hardwood set of 4 spice boxes by American designer Don S. Shoemaker. The geometric shaped boxes with round covers are designed with bands of different woods. ...

Category

1970s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tea Caddies

Materials

Wood

Hand Painted Apple-Shaped Tea Caddy, Wood, Regency Style, 20th Century
Hand Painted Apple-Shaped Tea Caddy, Wood, Regency Style, 20th Century

Hand Painted Apple-Shaped Tea Caddy, Wood, Regency Style, 20th Century

Located in Reading, Berkshire

A 20th Century Hand Painted Hinged Lidded Tea Caddy In The Shape Of An Apple With A Metal Patinated Stalk A tea caddy is a box, jar, canister, or other receptacle used to store tea...

Category

19th Century British Regency Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Wood

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

18th/19th Century English Regency Plum Pudding Mahogany Inlaid Tea Caddy
18th/19th Century English Regency Plum Pudding Mahogany Inlaid Tea Caddy

18th/19th Century English Regency Plum Pudding Mahogany Inlaid Tea Caddy

Located in Forney, TX

A fine quality Regency Era / Georgian Period tea caddy set in sumptuous plum-pudding mahogany. Exquisitely hand-crafted in England at the turn of the late 18th / early 19th century,...

Category

Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Velvet, Cut Glass, Boxwood, Mahogany, Satinwood

Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy With Inlaid Mother Of Pearl
Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy With Inlaid Mother Of Pearl

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.

Category

1860s English Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Tortoise Shell, Mother-of-Pearl

Chinese Export Tea Caddy, Lacquered Wood with Gilded Decorations
Chinese Export Tea Caddy, Lacquered Wood with Gilded Decorations

Chinese Export Tea Caddy, Lacquered Wood with Gilded Decorations

Located in Kastrup, DK

A beautifully crafted Chinese export tea caddy made of wood with black lacquer, richly adorned with gilded motifs featuring classical Chinese scenes of people, houses, and more. The ...

Category

Late 19th Century Qing Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Wood

Fabulous Antique English Penwork Double Compartment Tea Caddy c.1820
Fabulous Antique English Penwork Double Compartment Tea Caddy c.1820

Fabulous Antique English Penwork Double Compartment Tea Caddy c.1820

Located in Bath, GB

A simply magnificent and grand example of a Regency Penwork Tea Caddy dating 1820. The caddy stands on it's original large gilded bronze Lion's paw feet and the sides retaining the ...

Category

1820s British Regency Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Wood

Antique English Georgian Silver Tea Caddy by William Vincent
Antique English Georgian Silver Tea Caddy by William Vincent

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...

Category

Late 18th Century English George III Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Sterling Silver

Chinese Export Black Lacquer Tea Caddy
Chinese Export Black Lacquer Tea Caddy

Chinese Export Black Lacquer Tea Caddy

Located in Tampa, FL

An early 19th century Chinese export black lacquer tea caddy, richly decorated with hand painted gilt scenes depicting traditional Chinese architecture, figures and flowering landsca...

Category

Early 1800s Chinese Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Small Antique Octagonal Tented Top Amboyna Tea Caddy. English C.1820
Small Antique Octagonal Tented Top Amboyna Tea Caddy. English C.1820

Small Antique Octagonal Tented Top Amboyna Tea Caddy. English C.1820

Located in St Annes, Lancashire

A very special tea caddy Burl amboyna with silver wire stringing. Of special note is the exceptional quality of the inlay on the interior lid. Original key. Free Uk shipping ...

Category

1820s English Regency Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Amboyna

Vintage Sheffield Tea Caddy Box
Vintage Sheffield Tea Caddy Box

Vintage Sheffield Tea Caddy Box

By Sheffield

Located in San Diego, CA

Beautiful vintage tea caddy or box. This vintage piece is rare and it is captivating. Octagonal in silver plated finish, this piece can have a variety of uses. This piece displays...

Category

1930s American Edwardian Vintage Tea Caddies

Materials

Silver Plate

Georgian Burr Yew Tea Caddy
Georgian Burr Yew Tea Caddy

Georgian Burr Yew Tea Caddy

Located in Northampton, GB

FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING Georgian burr yew tea caddy dating to circa 1785, of rectangular form veneered throughout in beautifully figured burr yew and edged with boxwood stringing. T...

Category

Late 18th Century English George III Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Wood, Boxwood, Yew

19th Century carved mahogany teapoy stamped Gillows
19th Century carved mahogany teapoy stamped Gillows

19th Century carved mahogany teapoy stamped Gillows

By Gillows of Lancaster & London

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

Superb quality Gillows regency mahogany teapoy circa 1820. The main body being of sarcophagus form, which opens to 4 mahogany slides on each corner, 1 large tole compartment flanked...

Category

Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Tin

Antique German Sterling Silver Teacaddy Neresheimer Sohnes Berthold Muller 1900
Antique German Sterling Silver Teacaddy Neresheimer Sohnes Berthold Muller 1900

Antique German Sterling Silver Teacaddy Neresheimer Sohnes Berthold Muller 1900

Located in Dublin, Ireland

An Absolutely Stunning heavy gauge German Sterling Silver Eighteenth Century style Tea Caddy Circa 1900. Intricate repousse relief decoration depicts genre scenes of adult figures ...

Category

18th Century German Georgian Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Crystal, Sterling Silver

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 Octagonal Inlaid Tea Caddy
Georgian Octagonal Inlaid Tea Caddy

Georgian Octagonal Inlaid Tea Caddy

Located in Greenwich, CT

Fine George III octagonal tea caddy inlaid with various woods on a harewood ground, the central panels veneered with coucous wood and banded by holly stringing around a kingwood band, vines and berried...

Category

1780s English George III Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Ebony, Kingwood, Harewood, Holly, Burl

Late 18th Century Georgian English Dome-Top Tea Caddy
Late 18th Century Georgian English Dome-Top Tea Caddy

Late 18th Century Georgian English Dome-Top Tea Caddy

Located in Dublin, IE

A Fine Georgian Dome-Top Tea Caddy. A beautifully preserved Georgian period single–compartment tea caddy, veneered throughout in richly figured tortoiseshell with a striking mottled ...

Category

Late 18th Century English Georgian Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Wood

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

19th Century English Chinoiserie Toleware Grocer's Tea Canister.
19th Century English Chinoiserie Toleware Grocer's Tea Canister.

19th Century English Chinoiserie Toleware Grocer's Tea Canister.

Located in Vero Beach, FL

19th Century English Chinoiserie Toleware Grocer's Tea Canister A fine and well-proportioned grand-scale English grocer's toleware tea canister, dating to the mid-19th century. Desi...

Category

Mid-19th Century Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Tin

Quality Antique Willian IV Rosewood Tea Caddy
Quality Antique Willian IV Rosewood Tea Caddy

Quality Antique Willian IV Rosewood Tea Caddy

Located in Ipswich, GB

Quality antique 19th Century William IV rosewood tea caddy, having a quality shaped rosewood top opening to reveal a fitted interior of a glass tea mixing bowl and a tea lidded compa...

Category

Early 19th Century William IV Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Rosewood

Antique Regency Rosewood Brass Inlaid Tea Caddy with Original Mixing Bowl
Antique Regency Rosewood Brass Inlaid Tea Caddy with Original Mixing Bowl

Antique Regency Rosewood Brass Inlaid Tea Caddy with Original Mixing Bowl

Located in Suffolk, GB

A superb antique Regency rosewood tea caddy, beautifully veneered in the finest figured rosewood and exquisitely decorated with delicate brass line inlay. This elegant example dates ...

Category

1830s European Regency Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Rosewood

Late 19th Century Chinoiserie Tea Tin
Late 19th Century Chinoiserie Tea Tin

Late 19th Century Chinoiserie Tea Tin

Located in High Point, NC

Late 19th century chinoiserie tea tin from England.

Category

Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Tin

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

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

Attractive antique Victorian quality rosewood tea caddy
Attractive antique Victorian quality rosewood tea caddy

Attractive antique Victorian quality rosewood tea caddy

Located in Ipswich, GB

Attractive antique Victorian quality rosewood tea caddy, having an attractive bombe sarcophagus form quality tea caddy, with a lift up lid opening to reveal a fitted interior with tw...

Category

Early 19th Century Early Victorian Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Rosewood

Victorian Rosewood and Brass Scent Box, England, 1850
Victorian Rosewood and Brass Scent Box, England, 1850

Victorian Rosewood and Brass Scent Box, England, 1850

Located in Bedfordshire, GB

A charming and particularly good quality mid-19th century, Victorian Period, rosewood perfume scent box, with attractive brass bound decoration and hinged li...

Category

Mid-19th Century English Victorian Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Brass

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.