THIRD QUARTER 18TH CENTURY

Details

A SCOTTISH GEORGE III SILVER-MOUNTED ENGRAVED-HORN, HORN AND BONE TEA-CHEST
THIRD QUARTER 18TH CENTURY
Inlaid overall with geometric patterns and chequerbanding, the rectangular hinged top with carrying-handle and carved foliage, enclosing a red velvet and silver-thread-lined interior and three mahogany foil-lined removable caddies and a tray at the rear for a mixing spoon, on a moulded foot
6½ in. (16.5 cm.) high; 10¼ in. (26 cm.) wide; 6¼ in. (16 cm.) deep

Provenance

Anonymous sale, Lyon & Turnbull auctioneers, Edinburgh, 23 November 1973, lot 106 (£350 to Dunlop) [according to an invoice accompanying the tea-chest].
Bought from Ronald Phillips, London, 2006.

Special notice

Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing materials from endangered species, including but not limited to coral, ivory and tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country. No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium, which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.

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Lot Essay

Only very few examples of this type of horn-veneered caddy are known, of which the present lot is the finest with silver mounts and original mahogany canisters. One was presented to Mary, Countess of Haddington (d. 1782) and passed by family descent to the Massingberd family at Gunby Hall, Lincolnshire, now National Trust. Another was in the collection of Anne Stevens and features gilt-brass mounts and the stylised pagoda in the centre of the handle. As well as the present lot, the former will be included in forthcoming major book of tea-chests and caddies under the general editorship of Anne Stevens.

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