A stunning William IV/early Victorian Sarcophagus Tea Caddy. Dating to approximately 1830-1840, this piece is a masterclass in the cabinet-maker's art, featuring rich, figured Flame Mahogany that glows with nearly two centuries of hand-polished patina.
 
The "Sarcophagus" design was the premier choice for the sophisticated Victorian household, designed to protect expensive tea leaves imported from the East. This caddy sits proudly on its original brass calw feet and features a beautifully balanced flared lid.
 
Period: William IV/early Victorian (c. 1830-1840).
 
Material: Rare Flame Mahogany with original brass escutcheon, lions head handles and claw feet.
 
Design: Classic Sarcophagus silhouette.
 
Condition: Excellent antique condition. The wood has a deep, warm lustre. 
 
The tea caddy retains it's original cut glass mixing bowl of impressive design, brass handles, and twin lift-out tea canisters. This is a particularly large and rare example, as it includes the glass mixing bowl. Everything in good original condition; the key is original and working, sitting on four brass claw feet with brass lions head handles.
 
In England in the 18th and early 19th centuries tea was seen as an exotic commodity and was certainly expensive, it would have been kept in a locked caddy under the control of the lady of the house, protected from casual theft by the servants and dispensed sparingly and with great ritual, this caddy is an excellent example, one small chip to one edge. As the caddy was a social status symbol under the close scrutiny of visitors to the house, caddies such as these were made to the very highest standards of the cabinet makers art. 
 
The measurements are 32cm x 16cm x 19cm (12.6" x 6.3" x 7.5").