What were tea caddies used for?

Tea caddies stored valuable leaves safely under lock and key when tea was an expensive commodity imported from overseas. Servants typically kept the key, measuring out portions for the household to prevent unauthorized access. Inside, the containers often featured divided sections with individual lids to keep black and green teas separate and dry. Some included glass mixing bowls for blending leaves before brewing.

How do I care for antique wooden boxes?

Keep wooden boxes away from direct sunlight and radiators to prevent the timber from drying out and the veneer from lifting. Maintain a stable room temperature to protect the old glues and structural joints. Apply a microcrystalline wax occasionally to nourish the surface polish without building up sticky residues. Avoid liquid polishes containing silicone, which can penetrate cracked finishes and harm the wood.

How do I date a wooden box?

Examine the timber species, construction methods, and hardware to determine the period of manufacture. Georgian pieces often favor solid mahogany or simple stringing, while Victorian examples frequently showcase elaborate burr walnut veneers and Tunbridge mosaics. Look at the interior secondary woods and screw types as well. Hand-cut dovetails and iron hinges point to earlier eras, whereas machine-made components suggest later nineteenth-century production.

What is Tunbridge inlay?

Tunbridge inlay uses mosaic techniques to form intricate geometric or floral scenes from coloured wood specimens. Craftsmen glued thousands of tiny vertical timber squares together before slicing them thinly across the grain. These cross-sections were then applied to box lids and panels to create permanent pictures without using paint. The natural tones of holly, barberry, and plum provided the colour palette.