Britannia Standard Silver Tea Caddy - Antique George I (1717)

Description

This exceptional antique George I Britannia standard* silver tea caddy has a rectangular form with cut corners onto a domed stepped foot.

The surface of the tea caddy is plain and unembellished.

The moulded rim to the upper portion accommodates the original detachable hallmarked, sliding plateau.

This plateau incorporates a cylindrical sleeve and retains the original domed push fit cover encircled with tooled decoration.

The upper portion of the cover is surmounted with a plain silver finial.

* 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).

NOTE: Early Georgian tea canisters/caddies in this style were fitted with a domed cover suitable for measuring tea in addition to a sliding base or top to facilitate filling. The sliding base would also enable a lead liner to be inserted, which would keep the tea fresh for longer. A tea caddy of this style is traditionally plain with moulded borders, enabling a simple crest or set of initials as embellishment.

Read a brief history of antique silver tea caddies