Tortoiseshell Knife Box Tea Caddy by Martin Hall & Co
£2,200.00
This Tortoiseshell Knife Box Tea Caddy by Martin Hall & Co, dating to 1906, is modelled in the novelty form of a miniature knife box and constructed in tortoiseshell with extensive sterling silver mounts. The petite case is decorated with... Read More
A tortoiseshell knife box tea caddy by Martin Hall & Co, hallmarked Sheffield 1906, with pierced sterling silver mounts, green velvet lined interior and silver foil lined tea compartment.
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Description
Description
This Tortoiseshell Knife Box Tea Caddy by Martin Hall & Co, dating to 1906, is modelled in the novelty form of a miniature knife box and constructed in tortoiseshell with extensive sterling silver mounts. The petite case is decorated with pierced silver foliage and scrolling motifs across the lid and front, together with a silver carrying handle and mounted escutcheon fitted with its tasselled key.
The silver mounts are hallmarked Sheffield, with the maker’s mark for Martin, Hall & Co, Richard Martin & Ebenezer Hall, and the date letter o for 1906.
Opening the caddy reveals a green velvet lined inner lid above a tortoiseshell tea compartment lid. Removing the lid gives access to the silver foil lined compartment within.
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
10cm High x 9.2cm Wide x 9cm Deep (3.94 x 3.62 x 3.54 Inches)
Who are Martin Hall & Co?
Martin Hall & Co was a leading Sheffield silversmith and electroplate manufacturer established in 1854, with roots tracing back to 1820. Operating from Shrewsbury Works on Broad Street, the firm gained international acclaim at the Great Exhibition of 1851 and the International Exhibition of 1862 for its high quality sterling silver, electroplated wares, and proprietary Martinoid metal. Renowned for supplying luxury items to prominent British retailers such as Mappin Brothers, the company remained a major force in British metalwork until its eventual liquidation in 1936.
For further information see our Makers and Retailers profile on Martin Hall & Co.
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.
What is Sterling Silver?
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.
View the full Silver Collection.
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
Additional information
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| SKU | 501986TSCE |
