Mahogany Tea Caddy w/Sampler Inserts c.1810

Item Details

A fascinating late 18^th/early 19^th century mahogany tea caddy with sampler fragments set behind glass on the front and sides. As best I can tell, the sampler fragments are dated 1801, and I can make out the name “Jane” but no last name or place. There is a space on the top for another panel, but if something was inserted there, both the insert and the glass are long-gone. The inside of the caddy is divided into 2 compartments, each with a separate lid with bone pulls. There is a locking mechanism (tea was expensive and valuable when this was made!) but no key.The caddy measures 9” x 5 ¼” x 7” (high). It is in very fine condition: the glass panels are intact, and except for some slight staining on front panel (most noticeably on the lower left). The box itself has a few minor molding issues: a 2” piece off the front left top corner; a 4” piece of molding off the left front side, and a 1” piece of edge molding gone from the left rear corner, but no other damage and only shows expected ware from use.

I have only seen one other tea caddy with inserts and that box had empty panels, not sampler fragments. “Jane’s” parents may have had this box made to honor their daughter, or at least one can speculate something like that.