An extremely rare early 18th century George II period burr-yew and cocuswood tea caddy with a secret drawer. English, circa 1740–50.

Why we like it

It is hard to overstate how rarely George II–period tea caddies in exquisite veneers complete with original escutcheon and handle become available.

We particularly like the mellowed and delightfully playful contrast of the cocuswood and burl-yew wood veneers. 

A rare and unusual feature of this extraordinary tea chest is the presence of a secret shallow drawer for teaspoons in the base. Sprung at its back, this little drawer is released by a steel pin through the right hand side of the chest. A comparable device is illustrated in The Story of British Tea Chests and Caddies, 2022, p.112 fig. 5.57.

Dimensions

Width: 26 cm / 10.25”
Depth: 16 cm / 6.25”
Height: 16 cm / 6.25”