Tea Caddy in Coopered Barrel Form

Description Tea caddy in coopered barrel form, modelled as a miniature barrel and raised on a mahogany plinth with a cavetto edge, dating to the early Victorian period, circa 1840. The body with a well patinated surface bound by two thick brass straps, constructed to replicate the appearance of a full sized coopered barrel while retaining the functionality of a tea caddy. The lid, also with a cavetto edge, is inlaid with a star motif and surmounted by a turned finial in the form of an acorn. To the front, the caddy is inlaid in ebony with the word Tea, executed in a three dimensional effect. The interior is fitted for use as a tea caddy. This example is highly unusual in its execution, with the coopered barrel form in miniature scale and quite possibly unique. Such pieces were produced during a period when tea caddies were highly sought after, and this example would have likely served as a novelty advertising or shop display piece. View the full Tea Caddy Collection. Mark Goodger Antiques has handled Georgian, Regency and Victorian tea caddies for decades, covering examples in tortoiseshell, pressed horn, burr woods, fruitwood, japanned surfaces, Tunbridge ware and silver. Our stock regularly includes sarcophagus forms, bombe shapes, novelty fruit caddies and rare interior configurations. Through continued study of construction methods, veneer combinations, period inlay techniques and interior composition, we place particular emphasis on authenticity and correct attribution. Understanding which materials were used together, how interiors were finished, and how hinges and mounts were constructed is essential when assessing genuine eighteenth and nineteenth century tea caddies. Provenance -Exhibited at the East India Company, Mayfair, London -Grosvenor House antique fair 1970’s purchased by a private collector What is Mahogany? Mahogany is the name given to many types of tropical hardwood and can be found in Africa, India and South America, most of which are a red-brown colour with a fine, even grain. This makes it easily workable and gives it a durable finish which attributes to its popularity with many kinds of furniture. For further information see our Woods Encyclopaedia on Mahogany. What is Ebony? Ebony is often almost completely black with very little visible grain often with a subtle red/purple hue. This wood is very expensive due to the slow-growing trees which can often be gnarly affecting the yield of straight workable wood. Most ebonies are very dense making work with hand tools very difficult and can quickly clunt cutting tools. This density however offers an excellent finish on turned items. For further information see our Woods Encyclopaedia on Ebony. What is a Coopered Barrel? A wooden Barrel made by a craftsman. Craftsmen who made wooden barrels were called coopers. The word is derived from the Latin word for vat, “cupa.” In New England, coopers arrived with the first English settlers in the 1620s. Their work was essential to commerce and daily life. The fishing industry used barrels for shipping pickled and dried fish. Farmers used them for storing grains, butter and cider. Merchants used them for storing hardware and dried goods of every kind. The whaling industry used barrels to store tools and provisions and of course whale oil. Barrels had an abundance of uses and were easily stored and stacked and were not fragile like ceramic. Why Buy from Mark Goodger Antiques? With over thirty five years of specialist experience, Mark Goodger Antiques is recognised internationally as a leading authority in antique boxes and related works of art. Every item offered has been personally selected by Mark, whose knowledge and judgement are trusted by collectors, institutions, museums, interior designers, and fellow dealers worldwide. Every purchase is supplied with a full supporting package for clarity and reassurance. This includes a Certificate of Authenticity, a detailed condition and care guide specific to your item, our most recent catalogue, and a separate invoice suitable for insurance and valuation purposes. Each piece is carefully examined prior to sale to ensure accuracy of description and quality. Your purchase is fully insured during transit and protected by our straightforward money back guarantee, allowing you to buy with complete confidence. We pride ourselves on transparency, expertise, and long term relationships with our clients, many of whom return to us repeatedly over decades. When you buy from Mark Goodger Antiques, you are purchasing from a specialist family business built on knowledge, trust, and an unrivalled focus on antique boxes.