George III Paper Scroll Tea Caddy

Description

This George III Paper Scroll Tea Caddy, dated 1803, is of elongated hexagonal form framed in boxwood with alternating boxwood and ebony stringing. The exterior is arranged with ebony framed glazed panels protecting the intricate paper scrollwork decoration.

The front features a central floral scene flanked by two panels containing coloured silk classical scenes, while the reverse is decorated with a further blossoming flower panel and two panels depicting ears of wheat rising from a bow. Smaller glazed windows run above the principal panels, including the initials DR to the front and the date 1803 to the rear.

The lid is centred by a large glazed paper scrollwork panel and surmounted by a small loop carrying handle. Opening the caddy reveals a pink paper lined interior fitted with two floating tea compartment lids, each with a turned handle.

The tea caddy retains its 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.

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Measurements

13cm High x 18.5cm Wide x 10.5cm Deep (5.12 x 7.3 x 4.13 Inches)

What is Paper Scrollwork?

Paper Scrollwork also known as Quilling is the art of rolling, shaping, and glueing paper that results in creating a unified, decorative design. The name quilling is thought to come from the origin of the art when birds’ feathers or quills were used to coil the strips of paper around.

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 Boxwood?

Boxwood known as “Buxus sempervirens” can be found in Europe, Northwest Africa and Southwest Asia. It is a light cream that turns darker to brown when exposed to light. The trees are very small meaning it is suited to smaller projects like edging or inlay instead of veneers.

For further information see our Woods Encyclopaedia on Boxwood.

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.

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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.

Additional information

Country	England, United Kingdom
Medium	Boxwood, Ebony, Glass
Period	18th Century, George III, Georgian
Year	1803
SKU	501339MAXC