What were tea caddies used for?

Tea caddies served to store precious tea leaves safely under lock and key in the Georgian and Victorian drawing room. Tea was a costly import, so the container protected the contents from damp and pilfering. Inside, these boxes often contained two lead-lined or wooden compartments for different varieties of tea, alongside a central mixing bowl. The key remained with the mistress of the house.

How do I identify a Regency box?

Regency boxes typically display clean classical proportions, sharp brass inlay, and geometric parquetry patterns influenced by contemporary neoclassical design. Woods like rosewood and mahogany predominate in this era. Look for Brighton chain pier motifs, fine stringing, and Campaign-style brass bracket feet or drop handles. The interiors often retain original French-polished surfaces and maker paper labels.

Burr walnut is taken from a tree growth or knot where the grain has grown in a deformed, swirling pattern. This produces complex, highly decorative figure lines prized by cabinet makers. Because of its irregular growth, it is difficult to work with and was typically sliced into thin veneers. It appears frequently on the lids of nineteenth-century caskets to create striking visual impact.

How should I care for timber boxes?

Keep wooden boxes away from direct sunlight and sudden temperature shifts to prevent the dry veneers from lifting or cracking. Maintain a stable indoor environment. Apply a minimal amount of microcrystalline wax occasionally to nourish the historic polish and protect the timber surface. Avoid using modern silicone polishes which can damage the aged finish.

Search 0

64,371 PAGES BROWSED TODAY PAGES TODAY • 161 ANTIQUES UPLOADED TODAYNEW ARRIVALS

Sorted by

Per page

VISITOR LOGIN JOIN AS A SELLER DEALER LOGIN

Saved

GIFTS

Decorative Timber Box

161 ITEMS ADDED TODAY

Visitor Login (saved items)

Sort Order

Items Per Page

Decorative Timber Box

20 items · page 2 of 2

← Page 2 of 2 →

A decorative timber box brings tactile warmth and history to a room, offering a functional vessel crafted from fine woods for keepsakes, tea, or letters.

19th century

Save

Regency Penwork Brighton Chain Pier Box

From Shaun King Antiques

£345

FOR SALE

boxes

A Large and Well Carved Hard Wood Table Snuff Box with a Rich Deep Patina

1900 - 1920

Save

A Large and Well Carved Hard Wood Table Snuff Box with a Rich Deep Patina

From Gerard Robinson Fine Art and Antiques

£285

FOR SALE

boxes

19th century

Save

Partridge Wood Tea Caddy 1850

From Michael Johnson Antiques

£250

FOR SALE

boxes

Beautiful Rosewood Marquetry Inlaid Box.

19th century

Save

Beautiful Rosewood Marquetry Inlaid Box.

From Koos Limburg Jnr. Scotland

£290

FOR SALE

boxes

← 1 2 →

65,675

Antiques For Sale

161

Antiques Approved Today

637

Antique Uploads This Month

445,885

Total Antiques Sold

Decorative Timber Box

Regency Penwork Brighton Chain Pier Box

A Large and Well Carved Hard Wood Table Snuff Box with a Rich Deep Patina

Partridge Wood Tea Caddy 1850

Beautiful Rosewood Marquetry Inlaid Box.

Add keywords to the filter

Price

Era

Period

Style

Material

Origin

Stock Location

Recently Added

Online Payments

Categories