French Country · Encyclopedia · Tableware, Kitchen and Decorative Objects
Tea Caddy
Lockable boxes for storing tea, 18th and 19th century.
Coffee & Tea · Indicative US retail $80–$2,000
At a glance
- Family: Coffee & Tea
- Periods most often found: Most date from 1780 to 1900.
- Typical price: about $300; range $80 to $2,000 and more for exceptional pieces
- What drives value: Wood, inlay, interior
What it is
Tea caddies are lockable boxes for storing tea, from the 18th and 19th centuries, when tea was expensive enough to be locked away. English and French caddies in mahogany, rosewood, satinwood and walnut, inlaid with brass, mother-of-pearl or marquetry, often have two lidded compartments and a central glass mixing bowl. Tortoiseshell, papier-mâché and fruit-shaped caddies (apples, pears) are prized.
How to identify and date it
Fitted interiors, original foil linings, mixing bowls and keys add value; check inlay for losses, hinges for repairs and feet for replacements. Fruit-shaped caddies are frequently faked.
Inlay, fitted interiors and original keys; fruit-shaped caddies are rare.
Periods and styles
Most date from 1780 to 1900.
How much is it worth?
On the US retail market, most tea caddy examples ask around $300. Simple or worn pieces start near $80, while documented, signed or exceptional examples can pass $2,000. The main value drivers are: wood, inlay, interior. These are indicative ranges, not an appraisal; see our price guide for French antiques for the method.
Before you buy
- Check interior
- Confirm key
- Inspect inlay
Living with it
A tea caddy on a side table holds tea, letters or small treasures.
How we write these guides: identification notes are general guidance written by French Country; a style name, a region or a resemblance does not by itself date or attribute a piece. Price ranges are indicative US retail asking prices for antique and vintage examples in sound condition (dealers, specialist marketplaces and auctions), estimated and rounded as of November 2026; check recent sold results before relying on a figure. They are not appraisals or offers to buy or sell: condition, provenance and documentation can move a value far outside the range. For insurance, estates or sales, ask an independent, qualified appraiser for a written valuation.