£1,150
A GEORGE III TORTOISESHELL TEA CADDY
Of rectangular form and standing upon white metal feet, each marked "IB", the hinged lid opening to reveal a vacant velvet-lined interior, the whole measuring approx. 24cm wide x 16cm high x 15cm deep
Finish of all tortoiseshell panels is very dull and "dusty" in appearance. The front and right side panels are peeling away from the body at edges. One piece of tortoiseshell banding has broken off at rear. This is currently loose within the caddy. There are multiple significant losses to the tortoiseshell elsewhere - notably the back right corner of the underside of the lid and the front top edge of the body. One length of corner banding is completely lost. There are splits generally at seams between panels. Numerous chips to surface and traces of old adhesive, presumably used to repair the caddy in times gone by. Lining is worn, dirty and peeling round edges. Some of the gilt gimp is hanging loose. A strip is missing altogether from the top edge of one dividing panel. Key is bent and generally very worn. Tarnish to handle and feet.
General restoration is undoubtedly required.
Fees apply to the hammer price:
Room and Absentee Bids:
28.80% inc VAT*
Online and Autobids:
31.8% inc VAT*
