Georgian Cut Glass Sugar Box c1800

Description

Heading : Glass sugar box
Date : c1800
Period : George III
Origin : England
Colour : Clear cut glass
Body : Decorated with cross cut diamonds and ormolu metal mount
Pontil : Star cut
Glass Type : Lead
Size : 12cm tall. 18cm long and 13.4cm wide
Condition : Wear commensurate with age. the lock and key are in full working order
Restoration : None
Weight : 1707 grams

In the 18th century the aristocracy would have their own personal sugar box to take to the dining table. Refined sugar was so costly that it was kept under lock and key by the chief house servant. In the late 17th and early 18th century sugar boxes were almost exclusively made from silver.

The requirement to keep sugar under lock and key was reinforced in 1792 when the price soared to dizzying levels. Tea caddies are also lockable and the increase in tea consumption reinforced the price of sugar.