What were tea caddies used for?

These lidded containers held expensive tea leaves securely under lock and key in period drawing rooms. Servants or householders measured out the leaves using fitted interior canisters. Many examples included glass mixing bowls alongside dual compartments to keep black and green teas separate.

How do I date a wooden box?

Dating relies on examining the timber species, construction joints, hinge types, and overall decorative style. Georgian pieces favour solid mahogany with minimal stringing, while Victorian examples often introduce burr veneers and more complex Tunbridge inlay. Interior linings and paper remnants also offer clues to the decade of manufacture.

What is Tunbridge inlay?

This decorative method uses thousands of tiny, precisely cut blocks of naturally coloured wood glued together to form a mosaic pattern. Craftsmen sliced the resulting block across the grain to produce multiple identical strips for box lids and panels. Floral motifs and geometric borders typify this Kentish craft.

How should I care for antique wood?

Keep wooden boxes away from direct sunlight and sudden temperature shifts that cause timbers to dry and split. Maintaining a stable indoor climate preserves both the structural glue and the delicate inlaid veneers. Apply occasional appropriate wax polish sparingly to nourish the grain without buildup.