Classical 19th Century Gilded Ormolu Embossed Tea Caddy
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
Early 19th Century Mahogany Teapoy
Located in Martlesham, GB
Early 19th century mahogany teapoy, the shaped, crossbanded and hinged top opening to reveal two wooden containers with lids, with two compartment spaces ideal ...
Mahogany
$1,120Sale Price|20% Off
Rococo Pewter Tea Caddy
Located in Copenhagen, K
Very beautiful Rococo pewter tea caddy with lion on the lid.
Pewter
$3,800Sale Price|20% Off
Rare Regency Brass Inlaid Rosewood Tea Caddy with Secret Drawer
Located in Kittery Point, ME
Of sarcophagus form with geometric brass stringing throughout, with embossed gilt-brass ring handles to the sides, the interior fitted with twin lidded lead-lined caddies separated by a glass mixing bowl, raised on brass paw feet. With a secret drawer.
Brass
Wonderful 835 Silver Tea Caddy lidded Box Can Christoph Widmann Germany handmade
Located in Berlin, DE
Antique 835 Silver Tea Caddy - lidded Box Christoph Widmann Germany handmade Half moon & crown Weight: 229 grams The condition can be seen in the pictures.
Silver
Very Fine Biedermeier Period Tea Caddy of Bombe Form in Exotic Woods, circa 1830
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A very fine and visually striking Biedermeier Period tea caddy of exceptional quality, demonstrating a highly elevated form and a most complex application of exotic woods. The hinged...
Zebra Wood, Yew, Amboyna, Satinwood
Oriental Papier-Mâché Decorative Box Painted on the Outside and Lacquered Inside
Located in Marbella, ES
Oriental Papier-Mâché Decorative Box Painted on the Outside and Lacquered Inside
Paper
Regency Tea Caddy
Located in Tampa, FL
A regency tea caddy made of rosewood inlaid with brass. Bronze dore feet are a winged lion with flowers and fruit. A wonderful and desirable shape. E...
Brass, Bronze
19th Century French Boulle Tea Caddy
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Very fine. Early 19th century Napoleon tea caddy. Brass inlay. Crystal vessel (not original).
Crystal, Brass
19th Century, English Regency Tea Caddy
Located in San Marino, CA
A 19th century mahogany English Regency tea caddy with silver markings of a family crest, griffon and ram on the top. The interior of this te...
Mahogany
1970s Indian Bronze Box with Character on the Lid
Located in Marbella, ES
1970s Indian bronze box with character on the lid.
Bronze
Two Compartment Tunbridge Ware Tea Caddy c1860
Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB
Heading : Tunbridge ware tea caddy c1860 Date : c1860 Period : Victoria Origin : Tunbridge Wells, Kent Decoration : Sarcophagus shape. Central floral mosaic within keylines borde...
Wood
Set of 3 Antique Silver Gilt Tea Caddies 1903-1906 London, England Boxes
Located in London, GB
A set of three impressive solid Silver Tea Caddies decorated with ornated chased designs on the body and foot. Each has a chased push fit lid topped with a lovely berry and leaf fini...
Sterling Silver
$3,850Sale Price|30% Off
Silver tea box with plant engravings, border friezes & lid knob
Located in Porto, PT
Description: Silver tea box with engraved plant motifs surrounding a monogram card, friezes on the border, knob on the lid. Metal: Silver. Origin: Portuguese. Mark: Standing Eagle I ...
Silver
Mid 19th Century Antique Tea Caddy in Mahogany c1840
Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB
Heading : 19th century antique tea caddy c1840 Period : Victoria Origin : England Decoration : Cuboid in mahogany with lighter colou...
Wood
19th Century Rosewood and Brass Tea Caddy from Saint Croix
Located in Tampa, FL
An exceptional 19th century rosewood tea caddy, originating from Saint Croix in the Virgin Islands, crafted in the English taste. This rare island piece is...
Brass
$349Sale Price / set|36% Off
Message or Tea Leaves Three Holders
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Old containers for tea leaves or for message sheets. In teak: h.17,5 x diameter 6 and h. 27 x diameter 8,5. In brass: h.16 x 4,5 - The smallest SOLD and cancelled. The NEW PRICE i...
Brass
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 ...
Copper, Enamel
Early Tunbridge Ware Tea Caddy with Two Compartments c1830
Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB
Heading : Early Tunbridge ware tea caddy with two compartments Date : c1830 Period : George IV / William IV Origin : Tunbridge Wells or Tonbridge, Kent Decoration : Central styli...
Wood
Asian Chinese Box Black Lacquered Gilt Painted 1940s
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Antique Oriental Chinese Export Black Lacquered Gilt Painted Covered Box 1940s. Large Asian Chinese black lacquered tea box with nume...
Giltwood, Lacquer
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
Rich Mahogany Regency Style Tea Caddie with Inlay and Brass Lion Rings
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Sumptuous Regency style mahogany tea caddie having boxwood string inlay on the sides and handsome brass lion rings as well as paw feet. Key included.
Brass
Two Chinese Export Lacquered Tea Caddy for the English Market, Priced Per Caddy
Located in Buchanan, MI
A two Chinese export lacquered tea caddys for The English Market. With two fitted pewter canisters on the interior. Together with a Chinese export lacq...
Wood
Unique ceramic Tiger Teapot, hand made in South Africa
By Elvis Bonginkosi Mkhize
Located in North Miami, FL
This one-of-a-kind tiger teapot is a striking sculptural creation by Imvelo Studio, hand-sculpted by Sibongiseni Biyela and painted by Natebyron in South Africa. The tiger—rarely dep...
Ceramic
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
Large Art Deco Grocers Tolewear Double Coffee and Tea Canister
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Large Art Deco grocers tolewear double coffee and tea canister This is a classic of Art Deco design, the decoration is very much in the Odeon style typical of toleware of this period The Dowe Egbert double display...
Stunning Engraved Neoclassical Antique Sterling Silver Tea Caddy - London 1806
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1806 by Thomas Paine Dexter, this charming, George III period, Antique Sterling Silver Tea Caddy, is oval in shape, and in the Neoclassical taste, with bright cut engraved decoration to the body and lid, a tea plant finial, and an engraved crest to the cartouche. The tea caddy measures 4.25"(11cm) tall, by 4.5"(11.5cm) wide, by 3.25"(8.5cm) deep, and weighs 11 troy ounces. The crest is likely that of John Trotter...
Sterling Silver
$560Sale Price|30% Off
Silver tea box revealed with a knight in a country setting in the Dutch style
Located in Porto, PT
Description: Silver tea box featuring a knight in a Dutch-style country setting. Metal: Silver. Origin: Netherlands. Mark: Standing Lion. Weight: 105.88 grams. Dimensions: 9cmx9cm. C...
Silver
$4,550Sale Price|30% Off
Elliptical silver tea box with edge engravings and fruit-shaped knob
Located in Porto, PT
Description: Elliptical silver tea box with engravings on the casing and a fruit-shaped knob on a branch on the removable lid. Metal: Silver. Origin: Portuguese. Brand: Cabea de escr...
Silver
$2,800Sale Price|30% Off
Silver tea box with plant engravings, pearly friezes and cut-out handle
Located in Porto, PT
Description: Silver tea box with engraved plant motifs, pearly friezes on the surround and a cut-out knob on the lid. Metal: Silver. Origin: Portuguese. Mark: open-winged eagle. Weig...
Silver
$630Sale Price|30% Off
Silver tea box with floral reliefs and central monogram
Located in Porto, PT
Description: Silver tea box with floral reliefs surrounding a monogram card in the center of the removable lid. Metal: Silver. Origin: Portuguese. Brand: javali II Title. Weight: 143...
Silver
$2,100Sale Price|30% Off
Silver tea box with engraved plant motifs and a flower-shaped knob on the lid
Located in Porto, PT
Description: Silver tea box with engraved plant motifs and flower-shaped handle on the lid. Metal: Silver. Origin: Portuguese. Mark: open-winged eagle. Weight: 542.75 grams. Dimensio...
Silver
$700Sale Price|30% Off
Embossed and hammered silver tea box
Located in Porto, PT
Description: Embossed and hammered silver tea box. Metal: Silver. Origin: European. Mark: Absent. Weight: 135.58 grams. Dimensions: 8x6.5cm. Content: 800/1000. Assay Mark: Absent. Ad...
Silver
George III "Drum" Tea Caddy Made in London by John Deacon, 1776
By John Deacons
Located in London, GB
A rare George III "Drum" Tea Caddy made in London in 1776 by John Deacon. The Tea Caddy is modelled in the rare Drum form which was only produced for a short time during the 1770's ...
Silver
19th Century English Regency Boulle Tea Caddie
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
19th Century English Regency Boulle Tea Caddie. Very handsome and in beautiful shape.
Hardwood
William IV Mahogany Tea Caddy in the Form of a Pedestal Sideboard
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
An unusual William IV mahogany tea caddy in the form of a pedestal sideboard with a hinged lid opening to reveal a central well for a mixing bowl (now missing) flanked by two removab...
Mahogany
Very Good Georgian Burr Elm Sarcophagus Shaped Tea Caddy, U.K, circa 1800
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A very handsome early 19th century Georgian sarcophagus-shaped tea caddy in burr elm. The highly figured case fitted with a hinged canted top with a cross-banded edge, opening to an interior housing twin lidded tea canisters flanking a period cut-glass mixing bowl...
Elm, Cut Glass
A Fine and Rare George III Octagonal Figured Satinwood Box, C.1790
Located in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
A Fine and Rare Late 18th Century George III Satinwood Octagonal Box, C.1790. The kingwood crossbanded sectional top with ebony and box stringing is finely laid around a central in...
Kingwood, Satinwood
Neoclassical Antique Sterling Silver Tea Caddy Set from 1797 by Robert Sharp
By Robert Sharp
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1797 by Robert Sharp, this rare and exceptional quality, George III, antique sterling silver tea caddy set, comprises two oval tea caddies and a sugar caddy...
Sterling Silver
Antique German Silver Bear Sugar Box
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive, rare antique German silver bear sugar box; part of our continental ornamental silverware collection This exceptional and rare antique German silver sugar box have been realistically modelled in form of a bear. The box has been embellished with fine embossed decoration reproducing the details of the bear's fur and anatomical features. This exceptional antique silver box is fitted with the original push fit head/cover. Condition This antique silver bear box is an exceptional gauge of silver, exceptional quality and in exceptional condition. The German Hanau hallmarks to the underside of one foot are very clear. Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this German silverware...
Sterling Silver
Chinese Brass Box with Chinese Letter Inscriptions on the Top
Located in Marbella, ES
Chinese Brass Box with Chinese Letter Inscriptions on the Top.
Brass
20th Century Antique George V 1915 Sterling Silver and Cut Glass Tea Caddy
By George Nathan & Ridley Hayes
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique George V English sterling silver and cut-glass tea caddy, an addition to our silver mounted glass collection. This impressive antique George V cut-glass tea caddy has a circular rounded form. The vessel of this antique silver tea caddy...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Victorian Antique Tea Caddy in Mahogany c1840
Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB
Heading : Early Victorian antique tea caddy c1840 Period : Victoria Origin : England Decoration : Cuboid form in mahogany with two lift-out compartment interior and blue glass mix...
Wood
Large Regency Tea Caddy
Located in Tampa, FL
A large sarcophagus shaped rosewood tea caddy with a semi domed top. Original glass inside and two tea compartments. Mother of pearl inlaid escutcheon. On bun feet. The interior is f...
Glass, Wood
Regency Tea Caddy
Located in Tampa, FL
This is a wonderful English regency tea caddy in rosewood. Beautifully executed, the carving is fantastic. It’s on burn feet and its velvet lined interior is complete. The silver is ...
Rosewood
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
$5,200Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco Dogs Candy Box by Edouard-Marcel Sandoz, France, Circa 1920
By Edouard-Marcel Sandoz, Haviland & Co.
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Dogs candy box by Edouard Marcel Sandoz (1881-1971) and manufactured by Haviland. Wapler, Jacques-Ph. (1999) "De la sculpture a la porcelaine" p. 66. France, CIRCA 1920.
Porcelain
Two Chinese Export Lacquer Tea Caddy for the English Trade, Priced Per Tea Caddy
Located in Buchanan, MI
A Chinese Export lacquer tea caddy. Gilt lacquered tea caddy with two pewter canister inserts. Together with a larger Chinese export lacquer box with o...
Wood
19th Century Tea Caddy with Brass Ornaments
Located in Brea, CA
19th century lacquer tea caddy with brass ornaments. Has got an mahogany flamed color. Brass ornaments. Thick layer of lacquer over wood. Very good quality wood and is very beautiful...
Lacquer
Silver-Clad Table Casket with Golden Patina
Located in Buchanan, MI
A silver-clad table casket the domed hinge top centered with a paterae among foliate scrolls. apparently unmarked This has a golden patina. Height 7 1/2...
Silver Plate
18th Century George I Domed Topped Japanned Chinoiserie Falconry Box, circa 1710
Located in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
A rare and important Queen Anne-George I japanned chinoiserie domed topped box depicting scenes of falconry, circa 1710-1720. England Falconry is ...
Oak
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 centur...
Silver
18th Century Burr Thornwood Tea Caddy
Located in Lincolnshire, GB
A fine example of a burr thorn and crossbanded tea caddy of superb color and patina with the original brass handle and bracket feet, circa 1750.
Wood
19th Century William IV Fruitwood Teapoy
Located in Dublin 8, IE
19th century William IV Fruitwood Teapoy with rectangular caddy top above lotus carved body on slender pod over finely carved base
Fruitwood
Edwardian 'Drum Shape' Antique Sterling Silver Tea Caddy - London 1905
By Blackburn & Tysall
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1905 by Blackburn & Tysall, this very attractive, Edwardian, Antique Sterling Silver Tea Caddy, features bright cut engraved decorative bands and cartouche, a...
Sterling Silver
19th Century English William IV Rosewood Tea Poy
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
For sale is a good quality William IV rosewood tea poy, opening to a fitted interior retain its original glass bowls, above a turned stem over a platform base,...
Rosewood
$1,408Sale Price|25% Off
Italian Antique Miniature on Casket: Rare Piece
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
O/3321 - Little casket with beautiful landscape miniature, briar-tuia wood - miniature fixe on silk, A very rare objet : for collectors. I keep it leaning on a chest of drrawers ...
Wood
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.