Petit Sterling Silver and Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy
This rectangular-shaped caddy showcases a striking combination of the two materials, with a finely crafted tortoiseshell canister complemented by a sterling silver top and lid. The silver front panel of the tortoiseshell caddy is elegantly inscribed with the word “Tea” and is adorned with several silver hallmarks throughout, bearing testimony to the unparalleled craftsmanship of Cornelius Desormeaux Saunders & James Francis Hollings-Frank-Shepherd. This rare piece features silver from both the renowned company’s workshop in Chester and London, dating back to 1896/97, thereby highlighting the rich historical significance and heritage of this antique tea caddy.
Saunders and Shepherd, later known as Cornelius Desormeaux Saunders and James Francis Hollings (C.D.S. & J.F.H.), were a renowned firm of manufacturing jewellers and silver-making company based in London and Chester, UK. The firm operated from 1869 until 1931 and was particularly famous for its intricate designs and quality craftsmanship. Saunders and Shepherd produced a wide range of luxury silver items, including tea caddies, tableware, and decorative objects. The company was well-known for incorporating different materials into their silverware, such as tortoiseshell and enamel. Their pieces often bore elaborate engravings, embossing, and chasing, and were made using a combination of traditional and modern techniques. The silver hallmarks on their pieces, including those on this petit Silver & Tortoiseshell tea caddy, provide insight into the date, origin, and quality of the silver used in their production. Over the years the firm has had various associations with other companies such as Gay Freres, Eterna, Porsche Design and Fope. Saunders and Shepherd’s work continues to be highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts of antique silverware. At present, the company is situated in the renowned Birmingham jewellery quarter, where it specialises in crafting watch cases and jewellery.
Every purchase made from Mark Goodger Antiques is accompanied by a comprehensive suite of documents to ensure your satisfaction and peace of mind. This includes our latest catalogue, a Certificate of Authenticity, detailed care instructions for your chosen item, and an independent invoice for insurance purposes. Additionally, your purchase is protected by our no-hassle, money-back policy, and your item will be fully insured during the shipping process to safeguard against damage or loss.
If you are purchasing Tortoiseshell or Ivory pieces and are outside the UK you must have a CITES certificate in order to import the item into your country. We can obtain these on your behalf at a cost of £50 and these can take up to 30 working days to arrive at our office. Due to the strict exporting rules of these pieces, they may also come with further shipping costs. Please ensure you contact us prior to purchase for a quote.
