Antique Georgian Fruitwood Apple Tea Caddy, English c. 1800, Ready to Ship

A Georgian tea caddy turned from a solid block of fruitwood in the form of an apple, with a hinged lid, applied stalk, and a small oval escutcheon with working lock and key. The interior retains its original foil lining, laid in overlapping strips by hand. The surface carries its old red-brown stain, worn and mellowed, with the fine speckle and russeting that gives these caddies their character.

Fruit-form caddies were made in England from roughly 1780 to 1820, when tea was costly enough to be kept locked away — a domestic luxury dressed up as something from the orchard, and among the most charming objects in English treen.

A small sculptural piece for a shelf, mantel or dressing table. It holds rings, earrings and small treasures as happily as it once held tea.

Item details
• Wood: fruitwood
• Height: 5 in (12.7 cm)
• Period: late Georgian, c. 1790–1820
• Origin: England
• Fittings: oval escutcheon, working lock with key
• Interior: original hand-laid foil lining

Condition: Good antique condition with honest wear consistent with two centuries of use — mellowing and wear to the stain, light knocks, and old shrinkage. Please review all photographs, which form part of the description.

One only. A single antique piece, photographed exactly as it will arrive. Once it sells it cannot be repeated.

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US customers: we cover all import duties and taxes — your order arrives with no additional charges. International customers: we prepay most duties and taxes on your behalf. Each order is beautifully packaged, ready for gift giving.