George III Green Stained Beechwood Melon Form Tea Caddy

A fine piece with hinged top revealing traces of foil to the interior, the green stain visible but reduced, as is normal, due to natural fading.  The hinges, lock, escutcheon and stem are all original although the key is lacking.  Fruit and vegetable form tea caddies were produced in profusion during the turn of the 18^th/19^th centuries with apple and pear forms being the most common.  Melon forms in fine condition are considered somewhat rare.

English, probably London, c. 1790

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