Georgian Serpentine Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy

Description

An early nineteenth century Georgian serpentine tortoiseshell tea caddy dating to circa 1820, of rectangular form with an elegant serpentine front and pagoda shaped lid raised upon four Tagua nut feet above a flared plinth base. The exterior is finished in richly coloured tortoiseshell with delicate silver stringing running across the lid and down each corner finished with a silver floral escutcheon. To the lid sits a vacant initial plaque, complementing the restrained decoration throughout.

Opening the tea caddy reveals a fitted interior lined to the lid with blue velvet and retaining twin tea compartments with matching turned handles. The compartments retain their original silver foil lining, designed for the storage of loose leaf tea while preserving freshness and aroma.

A particularly decorative late Regency tea caddy combining serpentine form, silver mounted detail and richly coloured tortoiseshell associated with the finest English tea wares of the period. The proportions, fitted interior and surviving decorative elements remain especially pleasing throughout.

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.

Measurements

15.5cm High x 22.5cm Wide x 13.5cm Deep (6.1 x 8.6 x 5.3 Inches)

What is Tagua Nut?

Tagua nut is a product made from the very hard centre of the seeds of certain palm trees. Vegan ivory is named for its resemblance to animal ivory. Species in the genus Phytelephas (elephant plant), native to South America, are the most important sources of vegetable ivory along with the Caroline ivory-nut palm and Vanuatu, and the real fan palm. A tagua palm can take up to 15 years to mature. But once it gets to this stage it can go on producing vegetable ivory for up to 100 years. In any given year a tagua palm can produce up to 20 pounds of vegan ivory making it an exceptionally sustainable source.

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.

Additional information