What were tea caddies used for?

Tea caddies stored precious tea leaves securely under lock and key in Georgian and Victorian households. Servants kept the tea locked away because the dry leaves held high financial value. Inside the box, hinged lids or internal canisters separated different varieties of green and black tea. Many examples include a central glass mixing bowl for blending leaves before brewing.

How do I care for antique wood?

Keep wooden boxes away from direct sunlight and radiators to prevent the timber and delicate veneers from drying out and cracking. Stable room temperatures protect the animal glues holding the internal compartments together. Apply a microcrystalline wax occasionally to nourish the polished surface. Avoid using modern silicone polishes, which soften the historic finish over time.

What is a writing slope?

A writing slope is a portable desk designed for correspondence while travelling or moving between rooms in a large house. The hinged lid folds down to create a slanted writing surface lined with leather or velvet. Lifting the writing surface reveals hidden compartments for stationery, nibs, and inkwells. Wealthy owners during the Regency and Victorian eras used these boxes to manage their personal affairs.