In the 17th century, tea was first introduced to Britain from the East Indies by the Dutch East India Company who had a monopoly on this trade, as well as some of the spices now in common use. As a result, the leaf tea from which the drink was made was an extremely expensive commodity, and so had to be appropriately stored and safeguarded. The tea caddy was devised for this purpose.

The first tea caddies, sometimes called tea canisters, as they were only single compartment vessels, were often of silver, and bottle shaped with a removable top that could more...

Elm wood has a long history of use in furniture construction in Britain and Europe, dating back to medieval times. Elm was highly valued for its strength, durability, and attractive grain patterns, and its resistance to rot and decay, making it a popular choice for furniture. During the 17th and 18th centuries, elm was widely used for a variety of furniture styles, including Queen Anne, Chippendale, and Georgian. Elm was also commonly used for the construction of Windsor chairs, which were popular in England and America during the 18th and 19th centuries.

4 items found:

These items have been sold, and the description, image and price are for reference purposes only.

A 19th century elm octagonal pillar-box tea caddy, with…

Elm Octagonal Tea Caddy with Pagoda Lid

A 19th century elm octagonal pillar-box tea caddy, with 'pagoda' lid surmounted by a brass finial. Height 30 cm

A carved elm pear form tea caddy, a carved elm pear form tea…

Elm Pear Tea Caddy with Key, 18.5 cm High

A carved elm pear form tea caddy, a carved elm pear form tea caddy, with key, 18.5 cm high

A Sheraton George III burr elm tea caddy, circa 1820,…

Sheraton Burr Elm Tea Caddy with Shell Inlay, 1820

A Sheraton George III burr elm tea caddy, circa 1820, rectangular form with cantered corners, the top and front inlaid with shells, the hinged top enclosing compartments with covers, largest 13 cm high, 19 cm wide, 10 cm deep

A Georgian burr elm and boxwood stringing tea caddy box, early…

Georgian Burr Elm Tea Caddy Box

A Georgian burr elm and boxwood stringing tea caddy box, early 19th century interior with two lidded compartments and turned ivory knobs. Height 13.5 cm; width 18 cm; Depth 10.5 cm