Antique Victorian Burr Walnut Tea Caddy by Parkins & Gotto England Circa 1860s

Details

Description

A Superb Quality Mid 19th Century Burr Walnut Tea Caddy Having Original Brass Mounted Decoration And Domed Lid Enclosing Two … Read more A Superb Quality Mid 19th Century Burr Walnut Tea Caddy Having Original Brass Mounted Decoration And Domed Lid Enclosing Two Removable Lidded Compartments And Glass Mixing Bowl.

Parkins & Gotto began life with premises at 2 Hanway Street and also 25 Oxford Street around 1845, principally as stationers, but very quickly grew to offer a large variety of items for sale. These items ranged as widely as dressing cases, jewelery boxes and luggage, through to toys and homewares. Sometime between 1845 and 1860 they expanded their operation out into number 24 Oxford Street and added 26 and 27 around 1865.

In 1868 they advertised an ability to supply 1000s of presents to suit every purpose, taste and pocket and 3 years later they boasted the largest stock in Europe in their advertisments. By now these items ranged from writing boxes and tea caddies to library tables and books.

This lovely tea caddy dates to around 1860 and is constructed, as one would expect, from excellent quality and decorative burr walnut veneers. It also boasts some lovely decorative brass mounts which would have been a relatively expensive decoration themselves.

Tea was an extremely precious commodity throughout the 18th and 19th centuries and the purpose of a tea caddy was not just to preserve the and extend the life of the precious tea leaves, but also to enable the owner to lock away those aforementioned valuable tea leaves, keeping them safe from the house staffs potential wandering hands.

It is in good condition, has some ware to the caddy tin plated interiors and is missing a key.

Circa 1860.

Measures 12 1/4 inches long by 6 1/2 inches tall by 6 inches back to front. See less