Britannia Standard Silver Tea Caddy - Antique George I (1714)

Description

This exceptional antique George I Britannia* standard silver tea caddy has a classic plain rectangular rounded waisted form.

The swept shoulders, waisted body and domed spreading base are all plain and unembellished.

This tea caddy retains the original hallmarked push fit cover surmounted to a central subtly elevated platform with the original and unusual faceted lobed silver finial, securing to the interior with a screw.

This impressive caddy, crafted by the London silversmith Ebenezer Roe, has a fine patination**.

Tea caddies of this age, quality and in such an exceptional condition are becoming increasingly scarce.

* Britannia Silver - The Britannia silver standard of 958 (95.84% of fine silver), denoted by the icon of the seated Britannia holding an oval shield, was introduced by William III in 1697. This was to indicate the slightly higher standard of silver from sterling silver standard of 925 (92.5% of fine silver).

** Patination or Patina is a subtle colouration or tarnish which forms on the surface of some metals, produced by oxidation or other chemical processes. A good patina proffers an aesthetically pleasing look.

Read a brief overview of Britannia standard silver