What was a wooden storage caddy used for?

These boxes held high-value dry tea leaves when tea was an expensive commodity requiring strict rationing. The lockable lid prevented household servants or guests from accessing the contents without supervision. Internal partitions separated different varieties of black and green tea leaves. Many versions also included a central glass bowl used for blending individual cups.

How do I date a wooden storage caddy?

Dating relies on observing the primary timber species, box silhouette, and construction methods. Eighteenth-century examples often feature straight-sided mahogany or satinwood with simple brass escutcheons. Nineteenth-century pieces frequently introduce sarcophagus shapes, rosewood veneers, and elaborate inlays like mother-of-pearl or tortoiseshell. Secondary woods inside the box also help confirm the manufacturing era.

Where should I place a caddy in my home?

These boxes function well as decorative objects placed on sideboards, console tables, or bookshelves in a living space. Their compact footprints allow them to sit securely on flat furniture surfaces. They also provide functional storage for small personal items like jewellery, keys, or stationery. Keeping them away from direct sunlight protects delicate wood veneers from fading.

What is the difference between a caddy and a teapoy?

A standard caddy is a portable tabletop box designed to be lifted and moved around a room. A teapoy is substantially larger and typically stands on a single central pedestal or four legs. Teapoys function as small tables rather than simple transportable boxes. Both types share internal compartments intended for storing dry leaf.

Search 0

28,939 PAGES BROWSED TODAY PAGES TODAY • 38 ANTIQUES UPLOADED TODAYNEW ARRIVALS

Sorted by

Per page

VISITOR LOGIN DEALER LOGIN

Saved

Wooden Storage Caddy

38 ITEMS ADDED TODAY

Visitor Login (saved items)

Sort Order

Items Per Page

Wooden Storage Caddy

131 items · page 9 of 9

← Page 9 of 9 →

A wooden storage caddy is a compact lidded chest designed for keeping precious leaf, and these Georgian and Regency boxes offer lasting decorative utility.

19th century

Save

Georgian Mahogany Cellerate

From Ballinderry Antiques

£1,150

3+ MONTHS AGO

miscellaneous

William IV Mahogany Teapoy Set on Four Carved Feet

19th century

Save

William IV Mahogany Teapoy Set on Four Carved Feet

From Y Not Antiques

£895

3+ MONTHS AGO

furniture

19thc Coromandel Wood & Brass Bound Tea Caddy

19th century

Save

19thc Coromandel Wood & Brass Bound Tea Caddy

From LVS Decorative Arts

£750

3+ MONTHS AGO

boxes

← 1 ... 5 6 7 8 9 →

65,815

Antiques For Sale

Antiques Approved Today

2,807

Antique Uploads This Month

439,803

Total Antiques Sold

Wooden Storage Caddy

Georgian Mahogany Cellerate

William IV Mahogany Teapoy Set on Four Carved Feet

19thc Coromandel Wood & Brass Bound Tea Caddy

Add keywords to the filter

Price

Era

Movements

Material

Origin

Stock Location

Freshness

Online Payments

Categories