Rare Teapot Shaped Tea Caddy

Possibly the rarest caddy of all: a particularly fine and rare tea caddy in the form of a teapot! This wonderful very early 19th century caddy is from the family of “fruit” caddies and is turned from a single piece of fruitwood with applied handle; spout and finial to the lid. Designed to simulate a terracotta teapot of the period, it is decorated with gilding to the edge of the spout; the lid; the handle and with a pretty oval ‘patera’ below the steel escutcheon. Excellent original condition with original lining.