Georgian Burr Wood Tea Caddy 18th Century

Name: A Rare 18th Century Burr Thorn Wood Tea Caddy
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA663068
Price: 1700 GBP
Availability: InStock

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing

ObjectTea Caddies
Period18th century
StyleGeorgian
MaterialBurr Wood, Brass
ColourWarm Brown
MotifsBurr veneer, Brass swan-neck handle, Brass keyhole escutcheon, Canted hinged lid
SizeH 17 cm (7 in) x W 24 cm (9 in) x D 15 cm (6 in)

This Georgian tea caddy originates from around 1750 and is formed in a rectangular shape with a canted hinged lid and small bracket feet. The exterior displays burr thorn wood with cross banding in warm brown tones, complemented by an original brass swan-neck handle on the top lid, a brass keyhole escutcheon on the front panel, and a visible grain pattern throughout the timber. The piece measures 17 cm high, 24 cm wide, and 15 cm deep. In a modern interior, this tea caddy sits neatly on a sideboard top or display shelf in a living room, dining room, or study. It functions as a decorative tabletop accessory or a small storage box for everyday items, bringing period character to an English country house interior without needing any active restoration or specialized placement.

FAQs

Tea caddies emerged in the 17th and 18th centuries as dedicated lockable containers for storing imported tea leaves. Because tea was a costly commodity, these caddies were crafted as prominent decorative accessories for social entertaining in domestic settings.

Artisans constructed tea caddies using hardwoods such as mahogany, walnut, and exotic veneers like burr wood or tortoise shell. Inner compartments were commonly lined with lead foil or zinc to protect the contents from moisture and preserve freshness.

Authentic pieces from this era often feature hand-cut dovetail joints, period-correct brass hardware, and natural wear around lock mechanisms. Looking for unevenness in hand-planed wood interiors and genuine patination on original veneers also aids identification.

An antique wooden caddy can be displayed atop a sideboard, coffee table, or bookshelf as a focal accent piece. It can function as decorative tabletop storage for small items while adding warm timber tones to modern schemes.

Burr wood surfaces should be dusted regularly with a soft, dry lint-free cloth and kept away from direct sunlight or central heating sources to prevent drying and cracking. Applying a high-grade beeswax polish once or twice a year helps maintain the natural timber patina without causing wax build-up.

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A Rare 18th Century Burr Thorn Wood Tea Caddy

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