In the 17th century, tea was first introduced to Britain from the East Indies by the Dutch East India Company who had a monopoly on this trade, as well as some of the spices now in common use. As a result, the leaf tea from which the drink was made was an extremely expensive commodity, and so had to be appropriately stored and safeguarded. The tea caddy was devised for this purpose.

The first tea caddies, sometimes called tea canisters, as they were only single compartment vessels, were often of silver, and bottle shaped with a removable top that could be used to measure tea into the pot.

In the 18th century, taxes were imposed on tea making it even more expensive, and to safeguard the contents a lockable box was devised. The simple forms of these boxes had a removable receptacle to store the tea. The larger examples housed more...

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George iii sterling silver tea caddy with an ebony finial…

Georgian Sterling Silver Tea Caddy, London 1790

George iii sterling silver tea caddy with an ebony finial marked London, 1790, WS 220g

A George III tortoisehell and ivory veneered tea caddy, with a…

George III Tortoisehell and Ivory Tea Caddy

A George III tortoisehell and ivory veneered tea caddy, with a silver escutcheon and plate engraved 'E.Whitaker', standing on bun feet, 12 cm high,19.5 cm wide, 12 cm deep

Regency rosewood brass inlaid fitted tea caddy on bronze claw…

Regency Rosewood Brass Inlaid Tea Caddy with Accessories

Regency rosewood brass inlaid fitted tea caddy on bronze claw feet with ring handles, a brass inlaid body, velvet lined interior, two lidded canister compartments, a cut glass bowl and a silver plated caddy spoon. Dimensions 31.5 x 16 x 22.5 cm

A George III sterling silver embossed foliate decorated…

Georgian Sterling Silver Tea Caddy by Thomas Foster

A George III sterling silver embossed foliate decorated baluster tea caddy by Thomas Foster, London 1765, 14 cm high

An exceptional exhibition quality silver plated tea caddy…

Silver Plated Tea Caddy with High Relief Panels

An exceptional exhibition quality silver plated tea caddy adorned with silver electrotype panels in high relief. The interior fitted with two lidded tea cannisters with engraved tops, circa 1870. Impressed mark 'Elkington Faciet', 16 cm high, 18 cm wide,…

A fine .934 Dutch silver neoclassical tea caddy, 1919, with…

Dutch Silver Neoclassical Tea Caddy, 1919

A fine .934 Dutch silver neoclassical tea caddy, 1919, with standard of period, and maker's mark Av, the oval boat shaped pedestal tea caddy with reed designs to the rim and stepped and hinged lid, with a pine cone finial and radiating leafy mount;…

Sterling silver tea caddy George III, London 1767, Pierre…

Georgian Sterling Silver Tea Caddy by Pierre Gillois

Sterling silver tea caddy George III, London 1767, Pierre Gillois

A Decahedron ivory veneer and brass tea caddy the panelled body…

Ivory and Brass Tea Caddy with Engraved 'M'

A Decahedron ivory veneer and brass tea caddy the panelled body articulated with brass, with a brass plate engraved 'M' within a brass inlaid dotted border at the front, 12 x 11 x 7 cm

Wonderful pair of Australian specimen boxes, comprising a…

Wonderful pair of Australian specimen boxes, comprising a sewing box and tea caddy, both of rectangular form, set with diamond panels to the body in specimens of Australian woods, both interior fitted, 13 cm x 25 cm x 13.5 cm (tea caddy) and 10 cm x 18.5…

A rare Queen Anne Britannia standard silver tea caddy,…

Queen Anne Silver Tea Caddy, London 1709

A rare Queen Anne Britannia standard silver tea caddy, hexagonal form, the cap form lid with bead finial, spreading base. London 1709 by William Francis. 136.5gms. Height 12 cm

Pair of antique sterling silver lidded tea caddies, with…

Antique Sterling Silver Tea Caddies with Acanthus Leaf Finials

Pair of antique sterling silver lidded tea caddies, with acanthus leaf finials and pierced work leaf borders, crested with a Crown over Po, marked Jd&S Sheffield 1906, 860g, 30 cm high (2)

A rare George III silver tea caddy of plain oval form, the flat…

George III Silver Tea Caddy, London 1784

A rare George III silver tea caddy of plain oval form, the flat oval lid with concealed hinge and oval urn form finial, crested with a griffin within an oval leaf decorated framed cartouche. Original lock, no key. London 1784 by Charles Aldridge & Henry…

George III sterling silver oval tea caddy. Bright cut engraved…

Georgian Sterling Silver Tea Caddy, London 1780

George III sterling silver oval tea caddy. Bright cut engraved body and flower bud finial by James Mince & William Hodgins, London 1780, 370g and 10 cm high

Georgian Irish sterling silver tea caddy, marked Dublin, 1826,…

Georgian Irish Sterling Silver Tea Caddy, Dublin 1826

Georgian Irish sterling silver tea caddy, marked Dublin, 1826, JL?, approx 234g & 10 cm high

A George III silver tea caddy, maker's mark of John Denzilow,…

George III Silver Tea Caddy, London 1791, Engraved Floral Design

A George III silver tea caddy, maker's mark of John Denzilow, London 1791, rectangular with canted corners and a slightly domed cover with finial, having bands of bright cut engraving of flowerheads and two vacant cartouches, height 14 cm, 462g

A George II pedestal footed sterling silver tea caddy, 1750…

George II Sterling Silver Tea Caddy

A George II pedestal footed sterling silver tea caddy, 1750 London, with maker's mark for Samuel Taylor, specialist caddy maker, of shaped bulbous form and decorated in the rococo manner, bearing a contemporary coat of arms and a crest to the opposite…

George II sterling silver tea caddy, mark of Ebenezer Coker,…

George II Silver Tea Caddy, London 1763

George II sterling silver tea caddy, mark of Ebenezer Coker, London, 1763, of rectangular shape, engraved with scrolls, leaves and flowers, lidded, hallmarked, height 13 cm weight 314 grams. Provenance: The Estate of Diana Kemp, NSW

A George II silver tea caddy, vase shape, raised on floral cast…

George II Silver Tea Caddy by Samuel Taylor (1759)

A George II silver tea caddy, vase shape, raised on floral cast and pierced spreading circular foot, the body part wrythen lobed and embossed with panels of flowers, engraved with monogram beneath a crest (a demi-eagle displayed), the lid surmounted by a…

A graduated pair of Dutch silver tea caddies, Amsterdam /,…

Pair of Dutch Silver Tea Caddies, Amsterdam circa 1919

A graduated pair of Dutch silver tea caddies, Amsterdam /, circa 1919, each tapering in form with an acorn finial, total weight approximately 564 gms silver, 12.5 cm & 10.5 cm respectively

A George III silver tea caddy, makers' mark of Peter and Ann…

George III Silver Tea Caddy by Peter & Ann Bateman (1799)

A George III silver tea caddy, makers' mark of Peter and Ann Bateman, London 1799, shaped oval with domed hinged cover revealing a double compartment interior, having bands of bright cut engraved fruit and flowers and two cartouches with presentation…

Georgian oval satinwood and marquetry tea caddy, c. 1790,…

Georgian Satinwood & Marquetry Tea Caddy with Silver Spoon

Georgian oval satinwood and marquetry tea caddy, c. 1790, crossbanded with Brazilian rosewood, decorated with foliate design in harewood marquetry, with key and sterling silver tea spoon mark of George knight, London, 1821 (2), height 13 cm width 15 cm…

A Georgian tea caddy, tortoise shell & silver with ivory…

Georgian Tortoise Shell Tea Caddy with Silver & Ivory Trim

A Georgian tea caddy, tortoise shell & silver with ivory internal trim & knobs, early 19th century. 13 cm high, 17.5 cm wide, 10 cm deep

A George III sterling silver tea caddy, by John Emes, London,…

Georgian Sterling Silver Tea Caddy by John Emes, London

A George III sterling silver tea caddy, by John Emes, London, circa 1799, of ovoid form, with a domed hinged cover opening to a divided interior, the engraved frieze of floral design, above an engraved wreath and lower band of leaves and twigs. 428gms…

A Georgian tea caddy, circa 1810, turtle shell and timber with…

Georgian Turtle Shell Tea Caddy with Silver Plate

A Georgian tea caddy, circa 1810, turtle shell and timber with silver name plate, 14 cm high, 16 cm wide, deep

18th C. Dutch silver tea caddy of navette form by Pieter van…

18th C. Dutch Silver Tea Caddy by Pieter van Reidt

18th C. Dutch silver tea caddy of navette form by Pieter van Reidt 1784-1801. Marked Amsterdam. Q. PVR. lion rampant, approx. weight, height 10 cm

George III sterling silver tea caddy, of octagonal form with…

Georgian Sterling Silver Tea Caddy, London c1788

George III sterling silver tea caddy, of octagonal form with rounded fluted corners, with engraved arcades along top & bottom & armorial of a tree, fitted with lock (no key)., London c1788, maker William Plummer, height 14.5 cm, weight: 469 grams

George III sterling silver tea caddy, hallmarked, London, 1783,…

Georgian Tea Caddy with Broadwood Family Coat of Arms

George III sterling silver tea caddy, hallmarked, London, 1783, Wakelin and Taylor, of oval form, set with spherical finial, the body decorated with a border of wreaths and beaded surrounds, engraved with armorial of the arms for Broadwood of Lyne, Surrey…

George III sterling silver tea caddy, hallmarked London, 1763,…

Georgian Sterling Silver Tea Caddy, London 1763

George III sterling silver tea caddy, hallmarked London, 1763, Daniel Smith & Robert Sharp, of tapering lobed rectangular form, removable cover set with acorn final and gadrooned border, decorated with shell motifs and engraved armorial, set on four shell…

Superb antique tortoise shell and ivory tea caddy, fitted with…

Antique Tortoise Shell and Ivory Tea Caddy

Superb antique tortoise shell and ivory tea caddy, fitted with two sections, silver string inlay, engraved medallion to the top, all standing on ball feet, approx 16 cm high, 19.5 cm long, 12 cm depth

A George III silver tea caddy by Solomon Hougham, London 1801.…

George III Silver Tea Caddy by Solomon Hougham, London 1801

A George III silver tea caddy by Solomon Hougham, London 1801. Of faceted oval form, the step moulded cover with ivory finial, the body with repousse bands bordering bright cut facets with ribbon and floral chassed banding, 597 grams, 16 cm width x 16.5…

A George IV sterling silver Chinoiserie tea caddy by John…

George IV Silver Chinoiserie Tea Caddy by John Wintle

A George IV sterling silver Chinoiserie tea caddy by John Wintle, London circa 1825, 17 cm high, 585 grams

Fine George III burr yew tea caddy, boxwood strung with…

George III Burr Yew Tea Caddy with Silver Handle

Fine George III burr yew tea caddy, boxwood strung with matching interior canisters and glass bowl, lid with original silver plated loop handle, c1790, 30 cm x 15 cm, 15 cm high

A fine George II sterling silver rococo tea caddy, 1750 London,…

A fine George II sterling silver rococo tea caddy, 1750 London, w maker's mark Samuel Herbert & Co. Rectangular bombe form w detachable cover, surmounted by a gesticulating cherub & bird finial, raised on 4 shell & scroll feet, lavishly decorated w…

Superb George III sterling silver tea caddy, hallmarked, London,…

Superb George III sterling silver tea caddy, hallmarked, London,1781, Daniel Smith & Robert sharp, of shaped oval form, set with a floral finial, surrounded by fine beaded borders, the body beautifully engraved with central armorial, above a fine lower…

A George III silver plain tea caddy, oval form with seated…

George III Silver Tea Caddy with Griffin Crest

A George III silver plain tea caddy, oval form with seated griffin crest on oval cartouche, the flat lid with oval urn form finial, hidden hinge. London 1784 by Charles Aldridge & Henry Green, width 13 cm.

A George I Britannia standard silver tea canister, rectangular…

Georgian Silver Tea Canister with Monogram, London 1723

A George I Britannia standard silver tea canister, rectangular with canted corners, slide out top and lift of domed cover serving as a measure. Monogrammed MM within a finely engraved rocaille cartouche incorporating three escalops. London 1723 by John…

George III sterling silver tea caddy by Paul Storr, marked…

George III Silver Tea Caddy by Paul Storr (1793)

George III sterling silver tea caddy by Paul Storr, marked London PS 1793 to the base. Passant to the lid and finala, dimensions 13 x 9 x 9 cm, weight 271 grams. Old restoration to the lock part, does close, without key

An English sterling silver tea caddy, 20th century, 9 cm high,…

20th Century Sterling Silver Tea Caddy, 290g, 9cm High

An English sterling silver tea caddy, 20th century, 9 cm high, 290 grams

George I sterling silver tea caddy, mark of Elizabeth Goodwin,…

George I Silver Tea Caddy by Elizabeth Goodwin, London 1725

George I sterling silver tea caddy, mark of Elizabeth Goodwin, London, 1725, of octagonal form with domed, pull-off cap to slide-off cover, surmounted by an acorn finial, on stepped base, hallmarked, weight 207 grams height 13.5 cm. Provenance: Private…

A George III sterling silver tea caddy London, 1773 by Pierre…

Georgian Silver Tea Caddy with Foliate Decoration

A George III sterling silver tea caddy London, 1773 by Pierre Gillois. Rectangular baluster form, embossed foliate decoration, the pull off cover with pineapple finial engraved with an armorial, on four scroll feet. Height 13 cm

A George III silver tea caddy William Holmes & Nicholas Dumee/…

Georgian Silver Tea Caddy with Key, 1773

A George III silver tea caddy William Holmes & Nicholas Dumee/ London / circa 1773, of octagonal form with beaded borders, with original key. 12.5 cm high

A sterling silver tea caddy made by James Young, London 1789,…

18th Century Sterling Silver Tea Caddy by James Young, London

A sterling silver tea caddy made by James Young, London 1789, English, 18th century

Rare Georgian ivory tea caddy, ten sided with silver framed…

Georgian Ivory Tea Caddy with Silver Inlay and Miniature

Rare Georgian ivory tea caddy, ten sided with silver framed hand painted central miniature surrounded by inlaid silver decoration

A George III sterling silver fluted oval tea caddy by John…

Georgian Silver Tea Caddy, London 1795, Engraved 'B' Initial

A George III sterling silver fluted oval tea caddy by John Robins, London 1795, with engraved cartouche, initial 'B', scrolls and floral swags, 17 cm high, 385 grams

A pair of George III sterling silver lidded vases or tea…

George III Sterling Silver Vases with Neoclassical Design

A pair of George III sterling silver lidded vases or tea caddies 1789 London, with maker's marks for Robert Sharp. Of elegant neoclassical form each with a waisted neck, dome lid and a tapering body flowing to a slender pedestal and a square base, with…

A Victorian sterling silver octagonal Gothic tea caddy by…

Victorian Gothic Tea Caddy, Angell, London 1845

A Victorian sterling silver octagonal Gothic tea caddy by Joseph Snr. and Joseph Jnr. Angell, mark over struck and engraved J Mayer, London 1845, 19 cm high, 575 grams

A pair of George III sterling silver tea caddies. Maker Robert…

George III Silver Tea Caddies by Robert Hennell (1794)

A pair of George III sterling silver tea caddies. Maker Robert Hennell, London 1794

A George III sterling silver tea caddy, of pagoda form, with…

Chinoiserie Sterling Silver Tea Caddy, London 1764

A George III sterling silver tea caddy, of pagoda form, with Chinoiserie decoration and blossom form finial, with four outset columns entwined with vine leaves, the enclosed panels depicting a lady reading in field, an amphora flower bouquet vase, a women…

A cased George II set of three sterling silver tea caddies by…

George II Sterling Silver Tea Caddies with Case

A cased George II set of three sterling silver tea caddies by Samuel Herbert & Co, London 1754, comprising an circular bowl and cover, a pair of vase shaped caddies and covers, all with embossed floral decoration, engraved contemporary coat of arms and…

A sterling silver tea caddy, Goldsmiths and Silversmiths…

Melba's Sterling Silver Tea Caddy, London 1904

A sterling silver tea caddy, Goldsmiths and Silversmiths Company Limited, London, 1904 of knife box form, the lid surmounted by a cloverleaf loop handle, opening to reveal a gilt interior, engraved 'NM' 360 gms, 10 cm high, 9 cm wide, 9 cm deep. Property…

A stunning pair of George III sterling silver Chippendale…

George III Sterling Silver Chinoiserie Tea Caddies

A stunning pair of George III sterling silver Chippendale pagoda shaped tea caddies in the chinoiserie style. Made by John Marshall of London, circa 1764. Each with fine hand worked repousse decoration to the side panels, including a female tea picker…