Very Fine Sheraton Period Mahogany Fan and Shell Inlaid Two Division Tea Caddy C1800

This is an exceptional Georgian tea caddy veneered in Flame Mahogany, strung with Boxwood, crossbanded with Tulipwood and profusely inlaid with Fan and Shell motifs to the top, front and both sides. Its dimensions are: 9 x 5.5 x 6 inches approximately

In excellent condition throughout, the interior offers two lidded tea compartments, the lids being veneered in Mahogany, crossbanded with Tulipwood and having the original 'white' knobs. The compartments themselves are bare whilst the underside of the lid is veneered in figured Mahogany.

The exterior, with its rectangular form, is veneered in thick Flame Mahogany, there is Boxwood stringing to each side and Tulipwood crossbanding to both sides,the front and the top. To the centre of the top is an inlaid conch shell motif which is of the sand scorched Boxwood variety with a green background and a Boxwood scalloped border. There are Boxwood lines radiating out from the centre to each corner where there are to be found four inlaid flower motifs.

To the front are two inlaid sand scorched Boxwood fan motifs and these are complimented by quadrant fans to each corner. Below is the small drawer that is designed to accommodate caddy spoons and other assorted tea making paraphernalia. The drawer, which has been relined to the inside with a good quality hand marbled paper, is inlaid with a geometric diamond pattern composed of a number of different woods and this pattern is found repeated around the front and sides of the top.

There are  Boxwood kite shaped escutcheons to both lock areas but the key,although supplied with the caddy, is for display only. 

To each side of the caddy are further inlaid panels composed of a central conch shell with quadrant fan motifs to each corner. These along with those to the front and top make a total of 21 inlaid shell or fan motifs in all, a staggering amount for a box of this size! There are chevron inlaid bandings to the back of the caddy and a light wood veneer strip that runs the full length of the base

All things considered this is a rare chance to own a high quality and superbly decorative period tea caddy. Profusely inlaid and in excellent condition it posseses a magnificent colour and a stunning grain

Shipping:

US and Rest of World, $38, UK $12, Europe $24

Terms and Conditions

Non UK: Please note that due to high conversion and processing costs I cannot accept personal cheques drawn on a currency other than Sterling, nor indeed cash other than Sterling. Payment must be by PAYPAL or Cash Sterling  sent at own risk 

UK: Personal cheque, Cash, Postal Order or Bankers Draft preferred