Description

Rare Example with Early George III Tea Caddies

From our Tea Caddy collection, we are delighted to offer this rare example Shagreen Tea Chest with Silver Tea Caddies. The Tea Chest of oval shape raised upon four silver feet finished in black shagreen with a silver loop top handle and shaped escutcheon to the front. The Tea Chest opens to reveal a red velvet-lined interior with a ribbon hinge containing two sterling silver tea caddies and a single sterling silver sugar bowl. Each of the three pieces elaborately cast and chased with scrollwork and blossoming flowers finished with a monogram to both tea caddies. The silver is hallmarked Sterling, London by Samuel Taylor and dated to the 18th century Georgian period and the early reign of George III 1769.

The Shagreen and Silver Tea Chest comes complete with a working lock and tasselled key.

Measurements (Inches) 8.27 High x 11.4 Wide x 6.3 High

This wonderful shagreen tea chest comes with a fully work lock and tasselled key. The key must be turned clockwise to unlock.

Shagreen is a natural hide typically from a Shark, Stingray or Dogfish. Shagreen saw a major boom during the Art Deco period where it was used as a covering for writing desks and well-dressed cabinetry.

Samuel Taylor was the Son of Thomas Taylor Citizen and Weaver of London. Taylor apprenticed to John Newton 3 March 1737 on a payment of £18.18s and was free on the 3 April 1744. Livery, May 1751 Taylor entered his first mark as a largeworker on the 3rd of May 1744 at Maiden Lane, Wood Street, London. His second mark was entered on the 27th of January 1757. He appears as plateworker, at the same address, in the Parl 1773. Heal records the name as jeweller, corner of Lad Lane, Wood Street, 1744-57, jeweller, Bartholomew Close, 1762, jeweller and clockmaker, Maiden Lane, Wood Street, 1773; and 10 Ball Alley, Lombard Street, 1807-10. Taylor was a specialist in tea-caddies and sugar-bowls, and his mark is rarely, if ever, found on pieces outside this category. His work is competent using generally a constant design of floral chasing.

Sterling Silver refers to the alloy of metal containing 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper or zinc. Sterling Silver objects are stamped with the 925 mark to confirm their authenticity.

With every purchase from Mark Goodger Antiques, you will receive our latest catalogue, a Certificate of Authenticity, detailed care instructions for your chosen piece and an independent invoice (for insurance purposes) will be enclosed. As well as being protected by a no-hassle, money-back policy, your piece will be entirely insured during the shipping process to ensure the safety of your item.

Additional information