Shagreen Tea Chest with Silver Tea Caddies

Description Shagreen tea chest of oval form, raised on four silver feet and finished in black shagreen, with a central silver loop handle and shaped escutcheon to the front. The tea chest dates to the Georgian period during the early reign of George III, dated 1769. The hinged lid opens to a fitted interior lined in red velvet, secured with a ribbon hinge. Inside, the chest contains two sterling silver tea caddies and a single sterling silver sugar bowl, all housed within the interior. Each silver component is cast and chased with scrolling decoration and blossoming floral work, with both tea caddies engraved with a monogram. The silver is hallmarked Sterling, London, by Samuel Taylor and dated 1769. The use of shagreen combined with silver mounts is typical of high quality English boxes produced in the late 18th century, particularly during the early years of George III’s reign. The tea chest retains its working lock and is complete with its original tasselled key. 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. What is Shagreen? Shagreen is a natural hide, most commonly from shark, stingray, or dogfish, valued for its distinctive textured surface. It has been used in luxury decorative objects since the 18th century, particularly on boxes and small cases. Its popularity saw a significant revival during the Art Deco period, where it was widely used to cover furniture, boxes, and accessories, appreciated for both its durability and unique appearance. Who is Samuel Taylor? Samuel Taylor was a London silversmith working in the mid 18th century, with marks recorded from 1744. He specialised in tea caddies and sugar bowls, and his work is typically decorated with floral chasing. For further information see our Makers and Retailers page on Samuel Taylor. What is Sterling Silver? Sterling silver refers to the alloy of metal containing 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper or zinc. Sterling Silver objects are stamped with the 925 mark to confirm their authenticity. View the full Silver Collection. What is the Georgian Era? The Georgian era was a period in British history from 1714 to 1837, named after the Hanoverian kings George the First, George the Second, George the Third and George the Fourth. Many historians also include the short reign of William the Fourth, whose death in 1837 marks the close of the era. Within this broader period lies the Regency era, which refers to the years when George the Fourth served as Prince Regent during the illness of his father George the Third. 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.