Images(10)

Tea Chest

Date1755-1770

Attributed to Allgood and Company [or Allgood, Davies, and Edwards]

OriginEngland or Wales, Pontypool area

MediumJapanned tinned sheet iron ("Pontypool"), wood, and brass

DimensionsOL: 10"; OW: 5 3/4"; OH: 6 1/4"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1977-363

DescriptionRectangular box of bombe form; pierced edging of guilloche pattern between square bracket feet. Stepped rectangular lid with two ornate brass escutcheons and ornate brass bail handle in center. Edge of lid bends to form short molded sides conforming to body below; lid joined by two hinges (modern) at back to body; each side of body formed from one sheet of metal joined at corners to form box. Keyhole cut in upper center of front panel. Bottom panel (sheet iron) and inside of apron japanned red. Pierced edging probably gilded originally. Tortiseshell ground with gilt chinoiserie scenes and borders. Wooden interior divided into two compartments [for tea caddies] and lined with red material.
ProvenanceEx Coll: Sir Russell Wilkinson, Surgeon to King George V and King George VI.
Vendor: Mallett at Bourdon House, Ltd., London