Antique Brass & Maple Tea Caddy

This Brass & Maple Tea Caddy dates to between 1840-1860 and possibly made in England. The monogramed letters on top of each tea caddy box are B & G, possibly for black tea and green tea. The outside caddy is in very good condition, with one small piece of brass trim missing...it is lockable , but there is no key. In the 18th and 19th centuries Tea was the drink of choice at many elaborate social rituals which were nurtured around tea drinking. These rituals needed beautiful accessories such as Tea Caddies, Teapots, spoons, strainers, and tea gowns etc. to give gravitas to the business of drinking tea. Many artists and craftsmen turned their hand to creating little treasures for the tea table. This tea caddy is one of those special pieces. ***********Very beautiful and hard to find example.***********ALL WE KNOW ABOUT THIS ITEM IS LISTED HERE.******