This is a superb late 18th century Georgian tea chest in solid mahogany, still housing its original tinned interior and two cylindrical metal tea canisters. The chest is dovetailed at the corners, sits on its original moulded plinth base, and has brass side carrying handles, giving it that proper “merchant’s strong box” / ship’s stores feel rather than the usual dainty parlour caddy. The proportions (50 x 27 x 27 cm, which is about 19.7 x 10.6 x 10.6 inches) make it a striking piece for a console, bar, study or gentleman’s library styling.

Inside are two removable round lidded canisters in their fitted compartments. One of the lids is inscribed in period ink with a note reading “Best Bohea Tea / Open’d 26 Jan’y 1775,” along with further script, which is exactly the kind of human detail you want in a piece like this – it ties it straight back to the era of colonial trade, East India Company tea, smuggling, revolution, all of it. The interior tin lining shows age, surface wear, light scratching and old oxidation.
The exterior mahogany has a deep, honest surface with two and a half centuries of wear: knocks, scuffs, marks, shrinkage lines, old stains to the lid, and some edge bruising to the moulded rim. The brass escutcheon is present but there is no working key now. Hinges are old but still holding. The box carries beautifully by the side handles and displays with real presence. If you’re building an “old money” library look, apothecary / provision store aesthetic, or maximalist history-led interior, this does it in one hit.

Measurements are 50 cm wide x 27 cm deep x 27 cm high, which is approximately 19.7 inches x 10.6 inches x 10.6 inches.