Antique Mother of Pearl Tea Caddy

Victorian Mother-of-Pearl Tea Caddy, c.1850–1870.

These caddies were made when tea was an expensive household commodity, and high-end homes often commissioned mother-of-pearl boxes to store it. Each shell tile was hand-cut and hand-laid, and this example includes its original working key and a single silver-lined tea compartment, which is correct for this form.

5” by 3” 

In great antique condition. Minor wear to edges and interior lining. Mostly all silver is still intact within the tea caddy.