1. George III silver tea canister
Known at the time as a ‘tea tub’, this George III silver tea canister is marked for London maker Aaron LeSturgeon, 1771. The form was based on the tea chests imported from China and, since tea was regarded as a ‘luxury beverage’ during this period, such tea caddies featured a lock and key. This example has a lock fitting but the key is missing. It is estimated at £4000-5000 at Sworders’ auction in Stansted Mountfitchet on February 13.
2. Oval double-sided silver tea caddy
Shaped like a flower basket, this George III silver double-sided tea caddy has an oval body and stands on four winged shell paw feet. It is marked for Solomon Royes & John East Dix, London 1818. With some condition issues, including signs of wear, solder repairs and three of the feet reinforced (the caddy wobbles), it is estimated at £400-600 at Fellows’ sale in Birmingham on February 5.
3. Victorian stylised silver tea caddy
This highly stylised Victorian silver lockable tea caddy is another lot at Fellows’ sale in Birmingham on February 5. The octagonal caddy has a domed and stepped hinged lid and has a monogrammed and dated cartouche to the front. The body has engraved strapwork throughout. Marked for Joseph Angell II, London 1852, it is estimated at £460-560.
4. Late Victorian silver tea caddy
This small late Victorian silver tea caddy (or sugar box) has a part fluted body and hinged cover. It is marked for the Atkin Brothers, Sheffield, 1896. The firm can be traced back to 18th century Sheffield silversmith Thomas Law with Henry Atkin later working alongside Law’s sons and grandson (probably by the early 1820s). Atkin’s three sons continued the trade after his death from their workshop in Sheffield’s Matilda Street, where this item was probably made. It is estimated at £100-150 at Tennants’ sale in Leyburn, North Yorkshire, on February 3.
5. Sheffield plate oval tea caddy
This George III Old Sheffield plate oval tea caddy is estimated at £100-150 at Lodge & Thomas’ sale in Truro, Cornwall, on February 2. Sheffield plate was used to make replicas of silver items at far less cost using a layered combination of silver and copper. This example is decorated with an engraved ribbon shield cartouche, embossed stiff leaf and beaded bands, and leaf engraving to the hinged lid.
