What were tea caddies used for?

Tea was an expensive commodity in the eighteenth century and required secure storage to prevent theft and preserve aroma. Containers were kept locked by the head of the household, who dispensed the leaves personally for each pot.

How do I tell a Georgian caddy from a Regency one?

Georgian examples often favour oval, octagonal, or rectangular shapes with delicate satinwood shell inlays and bracket feet. Regency pieces tend toward sarcophagus forms, pedestal bases, brass lion mask handles, and bolder rosewood grains with brass inlay.

Did these boxes have internal compartments?

Many interiors feature multiple lidded compartments to separate different varieties of tea leaves. Some examples also retain central recesses that once held small glass mixing bowls for blending.

How do I care for antique wood surfaces?

Keep these wooden boxes away from direct sunlight and sudden changes in ambient temperature to prevent timber splitting. An occasional application of microcrystalline wax helps nourish the dry antique polish without building up residue.