What is an engraved tea caddy used for?

An engraved tea caddy was traditionally used to store valuable tea leaves securely under lock and key in wealthy households. Today, these boxes serve as decorative display items on sideboards or as containers for small keepsakes.

How do I identify a Georgian tea caddy?

Georgian tea caddies typically display neoclassical styling, often featuring bright-cut engraving, fluting, and makers' marks associated with late eighteenth and early nineteenth-century silversmiths. Examining the assay office marks stamped on the silver provides the exact year and city of manufacture.

What is the difference between solid silver and silver plate?

Solid silver pieces are made entirely of precious metal, such as sterling silver, throughout their structure. Silver-plated items consist of a base metal coated with a layer of silver, introduced widely during the Victorian era.

How should I clean a silver tea caddy?

Silver pieces require gentle cleaning with a specialised silver cloth to maintain the polish without wearing down the delicate hand engraving. Avoid harsh chemical dips that can damage patination and obscure historical hallmarks.