Napoleon III Style Tea Caddy, Ebonized Wood with Brass Inlay, Vintage 1950s

The word "THÉ" inlaid across the lid names the box's original purpose plainly — this was built specifically to hold tea, at a time when tea was valuable enough to lock away rather than leave in an open canister. Ebonized wood dressed with fine brass string inlay was a favored combination for this kind of object through the nineteenth century, and the style continued well past its original period, which is exactly the case here: this piece works in that Napoleon III decorative tradition without being a genuine 19th-century original itself.

Open the lid and the box reveals its actual function: two separate compartments, each with a small round pull, divided by a working lock accessed from the front with its original key. The lining paper inside carries real, visible wear — water staining and worn patches consistent with decades of use — which is worth seeing plainly rather than glossing over, since it's the kind of detail a genuine period-style tea caddy should show.

The exterior brass inlay lines and lettering remain crisp against the dark ebonized finish, and the original lock and key are still functional together. At 13 cm square, it's a compact object suited to a shelf, sideboard, or display cabinet rather than active daily tea storage.
It arrives professionally packed and fully insured — we handle the paperwork and worldwide shipping. Returns are accepted within 30 days.

Details
Materials: ebonized wood, brass inlay and hardware
Dimensions: width 13 cm (5.1 in), height 13 cm (5.1 in)
Style: Napoleon III style, vintage 1950s
Condition: good vintage condition; visible wear to interior lining paper, original lock and key both functional

Condition details available on request.

Electrical details available on request.

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Provenance details available on request.