A bombe-shaped Regency  twin compartment tea caddy of octagonal form veneered in rosewood strung with boxwood with embossed feet and handles. Circa 1820. (Figure 362 in our book)
 

It measures  8.5 inches wide  by  inches 5.3 deep and it is 6.3 inches  high including feet: 21.5 cm wide by 13.5 cm deep by 16 cm high.

 

This is a caddy with real personality. It has a luted construction to achieve its almost round shape.

 This chest is featured at Figure 360 in

Antique Boxes, Tea Caddies, and Society -- 1700--1880, ISBN: 0764316885  Antigone Clarke & Joseph O'Kelly, A Schiffer Book for collectors..

Through time its embossed brass feet have become a bit flattened. The toes of one are missing.

This seems to add to the visual impression that the caddy will walk across the table if called.

 

The rosewood has developed a beautiful patina and has not been refinished. 

The drop ring handles have a classical inspiration. 

Inside the caddy are two lidded compartments with rosewood lids. The use of contrasting facings on the top and bottom gives a lighter look when the caddy is closed and interest when open.

The green ruched velvet on the top is original. 

 The lining  foil-paper is mid 19th century. The original Regency leading can be seen underneath. 

This little caddy made a personal appearance in the BBC Inside Antiques Program on tea caddies.