George III Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy

England, circa 1790-1810, unmarked, oval decagon paneled form featuring an inlaid silver oval plaque with beaded trim beneath an inlaid key escutcheon, hinged lid with scrolled finial pull lifting to an open interior retaining traces of the original lining.

5 x 4 1/2 x 2 3/4 in.

Private Collection, Bethania, North Carolina

Traces of original paper lined interior; small loss to escutcheon; some small losses to silver inlay at front panel and surrounding handle to lid; a few minor nicks to bone trim with possible repair to bone panel at base and one on lid; unevenness to closure; minor insect damage to wood base panel; interior missing lid corner supports (interior cover loose); without key.