A Charming And Rare Early 19th Century Regency Period Mahogany Tea Caddy, In The Form Of A Miniature Pedestal Sideboard, Having Extremely Well Figured, Crossbanded Hinged Top, Over Divisions And Concealed, Removable Tea Canisters With Arched Panels To Front, Raised on Original Plinth Base.

A rare, elegant and extremely collectable english regency tea caddy. It takes the form of a miniature sideboard, which is an ingenious way to hide the precious, valuable tea leaves away from any would be thieves.

Tea was of course a precious commodity throughout the 18th and 19th centuries and only the wealthy could afford it. They therefore generally went to great lengths to ensure that it was kept safely tucked away.

At first glance this item appears to actually just be a very good quality piece of regency miniature furniture. Indeed, it would be valuable and collectable in its own right, just as a piece of miniature furniture. However, when removed the two small dowels which are hidden away underneath the hinged lid, reveal two individual tea canisters, one on each side.

Overall the condition is excellent and it is of course wonderful quality as one would expect. It has been attended to in our workshops to ensure it is ready for placement straight into the home, or office before being offered for sale and comes with fully working lock and key.

Circa 1830.

Height 8.25in.
Width 15in.
Depth 6.5in.