Antique French Tortoiseshell, Mother of Pearl, Ivory, Silver Inlay TRAVEL TEA CADDY ca. 1840 Tortoise shell MOP

Antiques : Boxes, Caddies, Cases

 

This is a very exquisite travel tea caddy. It was hand made in France ca. 1840. The outside is covered in a very nicely spotted tortoise shell. It is inlaid on both sides with bouquets of various MOP (mother of pearl) flowers and leaves. Twisted silver strands are inlaid to take the form of stems. The lip of the interior is ivory and the original silver foil that lined the inside still remains after 160 years! The foil was used to retain the moistness of the tea. The top of the lid contains a silver nameplate that has never been engraved (which makes this piece even more rare)! The quality is superb, the best.

Condition: Excellent. A couple of flea-size chips and small hairlines. Opens and closes perfectly. In excellent shape!

Measurements: 5 in. tall x 3 1/4 in. wide x 1 in. deep

Item ID: B-8