19th Century Mother of Pearl Tea Caddy with Silver Set
Located in Atlanta, GA
19th Century Mother of Pearl Tea Caddy with Silver Set
19th Century Antique Tea Caddies
Mother-of-Pearl
19th Century Mother of Pearl Tea Caddy with Silver Set
Located in Atlanta, GA
19th Century Mother of Pearl Tea Caddy with Silver Set
Mother-of-Pearl
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 ...
Lacquer
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
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
Victorian Padouk Wood Tea Caddy with Silver Plate Accents, Circa 1860
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...
Padouk
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...
Crystal, Sterling Silver
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...
Shell, Wood, Boxwood
Georgian 18th Century Yew Wood Octagonal Tea Caddy
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
An Extremely Attractive 18th Century George III Period Burr Yew Wood Octagonal Tea Caddy, Having Superbly Executed Chequered Strung, Herringbone Banded And Satinwood Oval Panelled De...
Satinwood, Yew
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.
Shell
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...
Wood, Boxwood, Harewood
Georgian Rosewood Tea Caddy with Brass Hinges, England, Circa 1790
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...
Rosewood
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...
Wood, Sycamore
19th Century English Serpentine Front Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy
Located in Atlanta, GA
19th Century English Serpentine Front Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy
Tortoise Shell
Magnificent Antique Silver Tea Caddy by William Hutton & Sons Ltd. - 1905
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....
Sterling Silver
$6,250
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...
Iron
$264Sale 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
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...
Copper
Exceptional Georgian Crossbanded Satinwood Tea Caddy w/ Oval Inlaid Shell Panels
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
A fine tea chest or tea caddy in satinwood with crossbanded edges on the lid and all four sides, the lid, front and sides inlaid with ovals of tortoiseshell. The lid, centered with a...
Satinwood
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
Tortoise Shell
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...
Wood, Lacquer
Norwegian Solid Birch Expandable Sewing Stand Organizer Made in Norway MINT
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Norwegian Solid Birch Expandable Sewing Stand Organizer Made in Norway MINT
Birch
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
French Napoleon III Marquetry Inlaid Serpentine Form Tea Caddy Circa 1880
Located in Winter Park, FL
A 19th century French Napoleon III marquetry double compartment tea caddy, featuring a serpentine silhouette and parquetry pattern edged with a brass molding. Mahogany veneer with a ...
Brass
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...
Brass, Zinc
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...
Silver Plate, Brass
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
Georgian Style Burton-Ching burl Walnut Regency Tea Caddy
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Georgian Style Burton-Ching burl Walnut Regency Tea Caddy
Walnut
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...
Cut Steel
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...
Wood
19th-century English Tea Caddy by P. & F. Schäfer, London
Located in Delft, NL
19th-century English Tea Caddy by P. & F. Schäfer, London A Tea Caddy by the toiletry bag makers P. & F. Schäfer, 19th century (John Philip Schäfer, Sophia Schäfer, Christian Philip...
Malachite, Bronze
English Regency Period Amboyna Wood Tea Caddy
Located in Lambertville, NJ
An English Regency Inlaid Amboyna Tea Caddy with brass mounts. The sarcophagus form with lion handles and scrolled feet. The interior with two compartments for tea with a replaced ...
Brass
Georgian large Tea Caddy fine quality, English Sheraton period Ca 1785
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a high quality large Tea Caddy from the English Georgian, Thomas Sheraton Period, Circa 1785. The Tea Caddy is rectangular with a hinge...
Brass
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...
Brass
$7,024Sale 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...
Silver
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...
Wood
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
Antique Early Victorian Tea Caddy in Coopered Barrel Form C. 1940
Located in Northampton, GB
FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING Tea caddy in coopered barrel form, modelled as a miniature barrel and raised on a mahogany plinth with a cavetto edge, dating to the early Victorian period, ...
Brass
Antique Victorian Royal Horse Racing Prize Tea Chest with Silver Tea Caddies
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...
Silver
English Georgian Chinroserie Tortoise Shell Tea Caddy with Ball Feet, C. 1800
Located in Charleston, SC
English Georgian Chinroserie bow front tortoise shell tea caddy with a hinged tiered lid, Chinese landscape mother of pearl inlays with flanking pagodas, fences, & foliage trees, central paktong plaque and escutcheon, bone fitted interior border with two lidded tortoiseshell foil lined compartments, and resting on the original four bone ball...
Foil
19th c. English Chinoiserie Tea Caddy
Located in Dallas, TX
The 19th c. English Chinoiserie Tea Caddy is a decorative collectible box designed to store tea. This tea caddy reflects the popular aesthetic of the 19th century, featuring intricat...
Wood
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...
Bone, Wood, Ebony, Mahogany, Hardwood
Antique Brass Inlaid Mahogany English Tea Caddy Box Regency Gillows Lancaster
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Dublin, Ireland
Superb example of an English Regency Rosewood Double Tea Caddy of traditional sarcophagus outline and unusually large size, with lavish geometric brass inlay decoration. The dome sha...
Crystal, Brass
Elegant English Sterling Silver Tea Caddy - London 1902
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 ...
Sterling Silver
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. Th...
Wood, Paper
$1,320Sale Price|20% Off
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...
Rosewood
19th Century Chinese Lacquer Box with Engraved Metal Interior
Located in Madrid, ES
Description : Élégante boîte laquée chinoise du XIXe siècle, richement décorée et pleine de caractère. Son extérieur est finement laqué et son intérieur, doublé de métal gravé, est d...
Fruitwood
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
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...
Bronze, Enamel
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 ...
Brass
Wonderful Lorin Marsh Tavola Regency Penshell Large Tea Caddy Box Casket
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Lorin Marsh Style Tavola Regency Penshell Large Tea Caddy, Decorative Box Casket With Black felt Lining
Stone
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
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
$760Sale Price|20% Off
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...
Rosewood
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
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...
Silver Plate
Italian Rococo Style Carved Mahogany Table Box
Located in Germantown, MD
A Hand-carved Magogany Table Box / tea caddy chest, Jewelry Chest or Trinket chest stylized with Chippendale Rococo influences. It features intricate floral / leaf carvings on solid ...
Wood, Mahogany
French Napoleon III Boulle Tea Caddy
Located in Northampton, GB
Single Tea Caddy Compartment From our Tea Caddy collection, we are delighted to bring to market this Antique French Boulle Tea Caddy. The Tea Caddy o...
Bronze, Ormolu
$1,245Sale Price|20% Off
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...
Satinwood
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...
Mahogany, Satinwood
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...
Wood, Harewood
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.