A Tunbridge Ware Single Compartment Tea Caddy with Mosaic of Rose and Dahlia Blooms

Description

Heading : Tunbridge Ware – Single Compartment Tea Caddy with Mosaic of Rose and Dahlia Blooms
Date : c1920
Period : Edwardian
Origin : Tunbridge Wells – attributed to The Tunbridge Wells Manufacturing Co Ltd.
Decoration : Has a ‘perspective cube’ frieze to all four sides around the centre of the body; the hinged lid has plain sides and a rounded and flat-ended upper surface which has a geometric frame bounded with thin striped keylines. This surrounds a classic Tunbridge Ware floral composition. based on Berlin Wool-work and featuring a rose and dahlia bloom surrounded by buds and foliage. The lid of the internal compartment has a seven-square geometric band to all four edges and a small turned handle.
Size : 14.1cm high – 14.0cm wide – 11.5cm deep 
Condition : Outstanding with regard to tile completeness – there seems to be just a single missing piece from one of the thin keylines around the lid border and some very small patches of flaked lacquer; extremely slight bumps and bruises to the edges. entirely commensurate with age; the curved surface of the lid has some inconsequential stress-cracks where the solid veneer has been shaped; the cracks are very thin. however. and are ‘sealed’ by the original lacquer; interior very smart and clean with some very minor scratches to the compartment lid; working lock with key. 
Restoration : Professionally cleaned and polished
Weight : 445g

Note: We can say with some certainty that this is a ‘model 26c’ caddy. as shown in the catalogue of The Tunbridge Wells Manufacturing Co. Ltd as reproduced in Brian Austen’s definitive Tunbridge Ware tome (third edn – 2001 – page 126). Originally sold for 42 shillings when made