Early C19th Regency Period 'Blonde' Tortoiseshell Oblong Tea-caddy.

Early C19th Regency period 'blonde' tortoiseshell oblong tea-caddy. Of canted-corner sarcophagus form, with concave-moulded stepped 'pagoda' style lid , inset with a vacant oblong silver tablet initial plaque. The pale figured turtle-shell veneered panels divided by silver stringing.The front fitted with a decorative shaped silver escutcheon plate, the whole raised on silver-plated ball feet. The interior fitted with twin lidded compartments, the interiors partially retaining their original tin-foil lining. The removable interior lids fitted with their original turned ivory knobs. The inside of the lid lined with the original pale pink velvet, whilst both the rims of the lid and the base are veneered in ivory. Fitted with original lock , lacking key.

The word caddy is derived from the Chinese word "Kati", which is the measure of weight by which tea was sold. The purpose of the twin compartments was to provide spaces for both black Indian tea and green China tea, and to enable them to be mixed to taste.

Excellent colour to the well-figured pale 'blonde' turtle/tortoiseshell veneers, with a warm amber hue.

In exceptionally good original condition , with only tiny fragmented chips to the upper corners of the stepped lid.

No damage or repairs to the hinges.

W 7"

D 4"

H 6"

England c. 1820

Established in the Cathedral City of Worcester for over 40 years ,M.Lees&Sons , run by Michael Lees ,have been dealing with public and trade from show-rooms in an early Georgian town-house. We aim to provide a straight-forward approach to our business and build lasting relationships with our customers. As members of the 'London and Provincial Antique Dealers Association' , we provide full descriptive details , date ,authenticity and any available provenance ,with full disclosure of any restoration or repair which may have taken place .

Whether buying for pleasure , decoration or investment, we welcome you to our web-site or premises .

Past projects have included advising clients on forming and disposing of collections , furnishing period properties , hotel and commercial projects , also a shoot-room and lodge .

All goods are available to view and owned by M.Lees & Sons .

If visiting, a telephone call prior is advisable as due to the demands of the business the show-room does not have regular hours . Please feel free to contact us if we can be of assistance . Our inventory on the website Selling Antiques .co.uk showcases our range of stock, whilst more items are available to view on our website. Please visit us on:

www.leesantiquesworcester.com.

Tel. 01905 26620 / 07860826218

Located in the centre of Worcester in the shadow of the Cathedral with easy parking nearby. Exit Junction 7 M5 and follow the signs for Worcester Porcelain Museum . Our premises are located 100 metres from the Museum and 50 metres from Pay&Display car-park in nearby King St.