What were tea caddies used for?

Tea caddies stored precious dry tea leaves under lock and key to protect them from theft and dampness in the home. Servants or homeowners used small measuring spoons to dispense leaves into porcelain teapots. Inside these boxes, compartments often separated black and green teas, sometimes accompanied by a central glass mixing bowl for blending.

How do I tell a cellarette from a tea caddy?

Cellarettes are substantially larger containers designed to sit on the floor or on a low stand to hold heavy glass wine bottles. Tea caddies are compact tabletop boxes built with internal compartments for smaller leaf canisters. While both utilise mahogany and brass fittings, the scale and internal dividers immediately distinguish wine storage from tea storage.

A teapoy is a lidded storage box for tea, often mounted on a central pillar with tripod legs or built as a small occasional table. They became popular during the Regency period for domestic entertaining. These pieces elevated tea storage from a tabletop box to a freestanding item of furniture within the principal rooms.

How should I care for antique mahogany?

Keep antique mahogany out of direct sunlight and away from direct heat sources to prevent the timber and veneers from drying out. Maintain a stable indoor humidity level to protect the structure and glue joints. Apply a gentle application of appropriate wax polish occasionally to maintain the surface sheen and protect the historic patination.