Red Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy

Description A George III red tortoiseshell tea caddy of small rectangular form, constructed with octagonal mother of pearl panels framed by richly coloured red tortoiseshell and edged in ivory, dating to circa 1790. The exterior is arranged with carefully cut mother of pearl panels set within vibrant tortoiseshell, the contrast between materials creating a strong and distinctive appearance typical of late eighteenth century workmanship. The lid is surmounted by a small silver loop handle, while the front retains a squared silver escutcheon. Opening the caddy reveals a fitted interior with a single mahogany chamfered lid mounted with a turned bone handle. The underside of the lid is faced in ivory, with the interior of the box lined in kingwood. The tea compartment retains traces of its original silver foil lining, used to preserve the freshness of tea. This example dates to the Georgian period during the reign of George III, circa 1790. The tea caddy is offered complete with a working lock and 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. Literature Mark Goodger 25th Anniversary Catalogue Page 14 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 Mother of Pearl? Mother of Pearl is an organic-inorganic composite material produced by some molluscs as an inner shell layer. It is the same material that natural pearls are made from and is desirable due to its strong and resilient makeup along with its beautiful iridescent shimmer. What is Kingwood? Kingwood also known as Violetwood, is found in South America and is violet-brown in colour with a darker grain. It is a very dense and hard wood that is only available for smaller items due to the small tree that yields it. For further information see our Woods Encyclopaedia on Kingwood. What is the Georgian Period? The Georgian era was a period in British history dating from 1714-1837, known as the Georgian era after the Hanoverian kings George I, George II, George III and George IV. What is Tortoiseshell? Tortoiseshell describes a type of decorative material made from the shells of certain species of sea turtles. The shells of these turtles are composed of a hard, glossy substance called keratin, which can be cut and shaped into a variety of decorative items. Tortoiseshell has been used for centuries to make a range of decorative objects, including combs, brush handles, and other small items. It is also sometimes used to make tea caddies, as it is strong, durable, and can be polished to a high shine. The term “tortoiseshell” is used to describe these decorative items, even though they are made from the shells of sea turtles because the term has been used historically to refer to this material. If you are purchasing Tortoiseshell or Ivory pieces and are outside the UK you must have a CITES certificate in order to import the item into your country. We can obtain these on your behalf at a cost of £50 and these can take up to 30 working days to arrive at our office. Due to the strict exporting rules of these pieces, they may also come with further shipping costs. Please ensure you contact us prior to purchase for a quote. 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.