What were cellarettes used for?

Cellarettes served as secure storage for wine bottles near the dining table before built-in sideboards took over the function. They often contained lead-lined interiors to hold ice and water, keeping bottles chilled for guests during long meals.

How do I care for mahogany?

Keep wooden boxes away from direct sunlight and heat sources to prevent the timber and veneers from drying out and splitting. Apply a traditional wax polish occasionally and buff with a soft cloth to maintain the natural sheen of the grain.

Examine the construction methods, such as hand-cut dovetails, secondary woods inside, and the style of the brass hardware. Federal and Regency pieces often show distinctive sarcophagus shapes and bold brass paw feet that contrast with earlier simpler Georgian rectangular boxes.

Were tea caddies locked?

Tea was a costly commodity in the Georgian period, so caddies were routinely fitted with working locks and keys. Households kept the leaves under strict control, entrusting the key only to the head of the house or a trusted housekeeper.