Stunning Handmade Sterling Silver Czech Tea Caddy 1835

Description

This beautiful tea caddy was made in Prague, Czechoslovakia, in 1835. The caddy is sterling silver and in amazing condition. The caddy weighs 438.8g, is 135mm wide, 63mm tall and 83mm deep. Provincial hallmark of the city of Prague from 1816 - 1866.
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A tea caddy is a box, jar, canister, or other receptacle used to store tea. When first introduced to Europe, tea was extremely expensive, and kept under the eye of the mistress of the house, often under lock and key. The containers used were therefore often expensive and decorative, to fit in with the rest of a drawing-room or other reception room. Hot water was carried up from the kitchen, and the tea made by the mistress of the house, or under her supervision.