George III Tortoiseshell and Piqué Work Tea Caddy

English, late 18th century, unsigned, of faceted navette form featuring tortoiseshell panels, finely inlaid with silver and gilt floral and shield plaque piqué work designs, inlaid key escutcheon, and hinged lid opening to a lined compartment with cover.

4 x 4 3/4 x 3 in.

From the Collection of Josephine Chapman Borthwick, Pinehurst, North Carolina

Old but later paper to interior, retaining some of the original lined surfaces beneath; areas of surface staining; tight crack to rear tortoiseshell panel above shield and a few small cracks to borders; lower lock present, but lid without lock clasp; interior missing lid corner supports (interior cover loose); without key.