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ID #SA93226
FOR SALE
£595
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William IV Period, Circa 1830 Wonderful Large Rosewood Tea Caddy Box or Chest with Beautiful Mother of Pearl Bird and Foliate Inlay.
Serpentine Antiques
for sale €696     $756
£595
Serpentine Antiques

Serpentine Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Feb 2008
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William IV Period, Circa 1830 Wonderful Large Rosewood Tea Caddy Box or Chest with Beautiful Mother of Pearl Bird and Foliate Inlay.

19th century
Description

Stunning example of a William IV period tea caddy box or chest of imposing size, made in rosewood with exquisite mother of pearl inlay.

The sarcophagus shape with deeply canted top edge is accented inside and out with gadrooned edges, and the top, front and interior lid have gorgeous lustrous mother of pearl inlay in a foliate scroll, tree and bird design. The escutcheon is also mother of pearl. The mother of pearl inlays shine in the beautiful natural white, pink and blue hues it is prised for.

The grain, colour, and patina of the wood is lovely, and the original circular carved and turned handles are still present on the sides. The whole stands on beautifully carved feet.

The interior contains two removable rosewood canisters with much of their original zinc lining, and a very attractive cut and etched glass mixing bowl that is of the right age and size, but is not original to the box. It has a small chip on the underside of the lip. The original velvet liner is underneath.

Tea caddy boxes were used to store and mix black and green tea. Tea was an expensive commodity during this period, and was kept in a locked box to keep it away from the house staff.

Size-14 inches long by 7 inches wide by 8.5 inches high.

Weight for shipping-3.25 kilos.

A really elegant and classic William IV piece to be used as a decorative accent, or for the collector of tea caddies or unique boxes. The original lock is present, but no key.

In very good antique condition, a box of this size and such exotic materials would have been an expensive and fine quality tea caddy when made, and would have been purchased for a large home.

A lovely well loved antique example. This item will ship from the USA to your location.

Many solid silver tea caddy spoons are available if desired. Please see listings or enquire.

Physical Dimensions
Height
22cm (8.66")
Width
36cm (14.17")
Depth
18cm (7.09")
Declaration

Serpentine Antiques has dated this Inlaid Rosewood Tea Caddy to the 1800s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA93226
Dealers Internal Reference
5960
Dealers Notes

Please click on my personal website link in the top left column of this page, or go to www.serpentineantiques.co.uk to see additional items not listed on this site. If you would like additional photos, I am happy to provide them.

Inventory is located in different locations, so please email to verify availability. Thank you.

Description
Stunning example of a William IV period tea caddy box or chest of imposing size, made in rosewood with exquisite mother of pearl inlay.

The sarcophagus shape with deeply canted top edge is accented inside and out with gadrooned edges, and the top, front and interior lid have gorgeous lustrous mother of pearl inlay in a foliate scroll, tree and bird design. The escutcheon is also mother of pearl.

“
The mother of pearl inlays shine in the beautiful natural white, pink and blue hues it is prised for.
Serpentine Antiques
fig 1. A rectangular dark rosewood tea caddy with a sarcophagus lid, mother of pearl bird inlays, and wooden side ring handles.
fig 1. William IV Period, Circa 1830 Wonderful Large Rosewood Tea Caddy Box or Chest with Beautiful Mother of Pearl Bird and Foliate Inlay.

The grain, colour, and patina of the wood is lovely, and the original circular carved and turned handles are still present on the sides. The whole stands on beautifully carved feet.

The interior contains two removable rosewood canisters with much of their original zinc lining, and a very attractive cut and etched glass mixing bowl that is of the right age and size, but is not original to the box. It has a small chip on the underside of the lip. The original velvet liner is underneath.

fig 2. A rectangular dark rosewood tea caddy with a sarcophagus lid, mother of pearl bird inlays, and wooden side ring handles.
fig 2. William IV Period, Circa 1830 Wonderful Large Rosewood Tea Caddy Box or Chest with Beautiful Mother of Pearl Bird and Foliate Inlay.

Tea caddy boxes were used to store and mix black and green tea. Tea was an expensive commodity during this period, and was kept in a locked box to keep it away from the house staff.

Size-14 inches long by 7 inches wide by 8.5 inches high.

fig 3. A rectangular dark rosewood tea caddy with a sarcophagus lid, mother of pearl bird inlays, and wooden side ring handles.
fig 3. William IV Period, Circa 1830 Wonderful Large Rosewood Tea Caddy Box or Chest with Beautiful Mother of Pearl Bird and Foliate Inlay.

Weight for shipping-3.25 kilos.

A really elegant and classic William IV piece to be used as a decorative accent, or for the collector of tea caddies or unique boxes. The original lock is present, but no key.

fig 4. A rectangular dark rosewood tea caddy with a sarcophagus lid, mother of pearl bird inlays, and wooden side ring handles.
fig 4. William IV Period, Circa 1830 Wonderful Large Rosewood Tea Caddy Box or Chest with Beautiful Mother of Pearl Bird and Foliate Inlay.

In very good antique condition, a box of this size and such exotic materials would have been an expensive and fine quality tea caddy when made, and would have been purchased for a large home.

A lovely well loved antique example. This item will ship from the USA to your location.

Many solid silver tea caddy spoons are available if desired. Please see listings or enquire.

Height
22cm (8.66")
Width
36cm (14.17")
Depth
18cm (7.09")
Date of Manufacture

Serpentine Antiques has dated this Inlaid Rosewood Tea Caddy to the 1800s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA93226
Dealers Internal Ref
5960
Serpentine Antiques
Serpentine Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Feb 2008

Specialising in unique pieces for the discerning individual, selected and prepared with special care..

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Serpentine Antiques Profile Page

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A rectangular dark rosewood tea caddy with a sarcophagus lid, mother of pearl bird inlays, and wooden side ring handles.
1 / 16
Archive I A rectangular dark rosewood tea caddy with a sarcophagus lid, mother of pearl bird inlays, and wooden side ring handles.

William IV Period, Circa 1830 Wonderful Large Rosewood Tea Caddy Box or Chest with Beautiful Mother of Pearl Bird and Foliate Inlay.

Archive II A rectangular dark rosewood tea caddy with a sarcophagus lid, mother of pearl bird inlays, and wooden side ring handles. View II
Archive III A rectangular dark rosewood tea caddy with a sarcophagus lid, mother of pearl bird inlays, and wooden side ring handles. View III
Archive IV Scale Reference for A rectangular dark rosewood tea caddy with a sarcophagus lid, mother of pearl bird inlays, and wooden side ring handles.
Archive V A rectangular dark rosewood tea caddy with a sarcophagus lid, mother of pearl bird inlays, and wooden side ring handles. View V
Archive VI A rectangular dark rosewood tea caddy with a sarcophagus lid, mother of pearl bird inlays, and wooden side ring handles. View VI
Archive VII A rectangular dark rosewood tea caddy with a sarcophagus lid, mother of pearl bird inlays, and wooden side ring handles. View VII
Archive VIII A rectangular dark rosewood tea caddy with a sarcophagus lid, mother of pearl bird inlays, and wooden side ring handles. View VIII
Archive IX A rectangular dark rosewood tea caddy with a sarcophagus lid, mother of pearl bird inlays, and wooden side ring handles. View IX
Archive X A rectangular dark rosewood tea caddy with a sarcophagus lid, mother of pearl bird inlays, and wooden side ring handles. View X
Archive XI A rectangular dark rosewood tea caddy with a sarcophagus lid, mother of pearl bird inlays, and wooden side ring handles. View XI
Archive XII A rectangular dark rosewood tea caddy with a sarcophagus lid, mother of pearl bird inlays, and wooden side ring handles. View XII
Archive XIII A rectangular dark rosewood tea caddy with a sarcophagus lid, mother of pearl bird inlays, and wooden side ring handles. View XIII
Archive XIV A rectangular dark rosewood tea caddy with a sarcophagus lid, mother of pearl bird inlays, and wooden side ring handles. View XIV
Archive XV A rectangular dark rosewood tea caddy with a sarcophagus lid, mother of pearl bird inlays, and wooden side ring handles. View XV
Archive XVI A rectangular dark rosewood tea caddy with a sarcophagus lid, mother of pearl bird inlays, and wooden side ring handles. View XVI
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Serpentine Antiques

Serpentine Antiques
Telephone 07810 752 292
Location
at The Antiques Warehouse
Badshot Farm
St. Georges Rd
Runfold
Farnham
Surrey
GU9 9HR
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/serpentine
Verified Since Feb 2008
Items For Sale 105
Items Sold 1,220
Serpentine Antiques
Serpentine Antiques
Verified Since Feb 2008
View Dealer Info
Location: at The Antiques Warehouse, Badshot Farm, St. Georges Rd, Runfold, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 9HR, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/serpentine
Verified
Feb 2008
For Sale
105
Sold
1,220
A rectangular dark rosewood tea caddy with a sarcophagus lid, mother of pearl bird inlays, and wooden side ring handles.
William IV period, circa 1830 wonderful large rosewood tea caddy box or chest with beautiful mother of pearl bird and foliate inlay.
Ref: SA93226
A rectangular dark rosewood tea caddy with a sarcophagus lid, mother of pearl bird inlays, and wooden side ring handles.
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FAQs

During the William IV period in the 1830s, imported tea remained a valuable commodity, prompting the production of secure, decorative containers known as tea caddies. These boxes were designed to be displayed prominently in public living spaces, featuring sophisticated woodwork and lockable lids.

Pieces from this era frequently feature dense hardwoods such as rosewood or mahogany, often accented with natural mother-of-pearl, bone, or brass inlays. Internal compartments were lined with metal foil or fabric to preserve the quality of the tea leaves.

Authentic items from circa 1830 often feature sarcophagus-shaped profiles, gadrooned borders, and turned wooden ring handles. Evidence of hand-cut joinery, smooth age-related wear around the keyhole, and natural timber oxidisation further indicate authenticity.

These decorative wooden boxes serve as functional storage or focal points on sideboards, consoles, and bookshelves. Placing the item alongside ceramics or polished metal accessories highlights the detailed wood grain and natural inlay.

Dust the surface regularly with a dry microfibre cloth and apply a quality beeswax polish periodically to nourish the wood. Keep the item away from direct sunlight, radiators, and high humidity to prevent the veneer from warping or the inlay from loosening.
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