Tea Tray Appraisal

Antique Mahogany Tea Caddy with Removable Tray

This appears to be an antique mahogany tea caddy, likely dating to the Georgian or early Victorian period, consistent with a late 18th to mid-19th-century timeframe. The tea caddy is constructed from what appears to be solid mahogany, exhibiting a rich, dark reddish-brown color with visible grain patterns. It has a rectangular box form with a hinged lid. The exterior appears to be polished, showing some signs of age and surface wear consistent with its likely usage and age. The corners are sharp, indicating careful craftsmanship, although there may be some minor dings or scratches not clearly visible in the image. The hardware, specifically the hinges and keyhole escutcheon on the front, appears to be brass, showing a darkened patina that supports its age. The hinges on the back are visible and seem to be in good working order, although there could be some minor play due to wear. The front of the box features a simple brass plate with a keyhole, suggesting it was designed to be locked for security, which was typical for valuable tea. Inside, the interior is lined with a lighter-colored wood, possibly pine or a similar secondary wood, which has a noticeably lighter finish and appears to be clean and well-preserved. A removable tray is present within the box, also made of the lighter secondary wood, with cut-out handles on each end for easy removal. The purpose of this tray within the tea caddy structure isn't immediately clear from the image alone, as traditional tea caddies often had compartments for different types of tea or caddies within the main box. However, this design with a removable tray is not uncommon in antique boxes. The box shows overall good construction with what appears to be dovetailed or similarly strong joinery, though this is not fully visible. There are no discernible maker's marks or signatures visible in the provided image. The overall condition suggests the item has been used and handled over a significant period, displaying a desirable antique patina rather than significant damage or signs of repair. The simplistic design, use of mahogany, and brass hardware align well with the aesthetic and materials common during the stated historical periods.