An Octagonal Caddy veneered in harewood having boxwood stringing and inlaid with oval marquetry panels depicting country flowers. 

Circa 1790.

 (figure 315 in our book)

 

It measures 5.5 inches wide  by  3.4 inches deep and it is  4.7 inches  high: 14 cm wide by 8.5 cm deep by 12 cm high.

 

This caddy has aged gracefully both outside and inside. It retains much of its original varnish. This is as would be expected, worn and pitted in places. With light waxing the caddy gleams with a beautiful patina.

The remains of the 18th century  caddy- leading can be seen on the pine inner surfaces.

In 18th century caddies the inner lid is often un-veneered as here. It would sit on top of the tea rather than separate supports.

The straight grain of the pine indicates that it is quarter sawn. This would be to achieve structural stability.

For many collectors "restoration" of either the inside or the outside would reduce value. 

This caddy is featured at figure 315 0f Antique Boxes, Tea Caddies, and Society -- 1700--1880, ISBN: 0764316885  Antigone Clarke & Joseph O'Kelly, A Schiffer Book for collectors.

"Many of the caddies were more elaborately inlaid than the chests" 

"In addition to inlaid decoration, cabinetmakers experimented with different shapes" 

Harewood is stained quarter sawn maple. It is the same type of wood used in violin backs, although they are not usually stained. the grain here is running top to bottom.

The rays or curl are across the grain. They are only visible when the wood is radially sawn. 

The oval marquetry panels are unusual in that they are a depiction of wild flowers.   

The rays or curl are across the grain. They are only visible when the wood is radially sawn. 

The oval marquetry panel has an inlay of pinks.