The Merrill Shops (a small shop that made quality work in New York City from 1893 through 1931) made this wonderful antique sterling silver lidded tea caddy. It is a very cute small 4 5/8 inch size & looks like a miniature cocktail shaker. The fancy hand engraved MB monogram lid pulls off & makes that suction sound, verifying that it is air tight. The container was meant to hold precious teas. The lid has a gold washed inside. The bottom is signed with a winged gryphon hallmark attributed to the Merrill Shops & is also marked Sterling, 115. in England in the 1700s-1800s tea was an expensive commodity. To keep it safe, people would store it in a lockable tea chest or tea box, which eventually became known as a Tea Caddy (the word caddy is derived from the Malay kati, a unit of weight by which tea was sold). As tea was too expensive to risk leaving in the presence of servants, the caddy would be kept in the drawing room. Subsequently, the tea caddy became an important & fashionable accessory for the home. This antique piece has expected age wear, but is in good condition for a 120 year old. There are several dings to the upper & a 1/2 inch crescent-shaped dent/dimple near the bottom edge. There are also other expected surface scratches & patina. Please see photos for condition & detailed measurements below. Total Wt: 99.3 grams Height : 4 5/8 inches Largest Diameter: 3 inches Condition: good antique condition with several dings to the upper & a 1/2 inch crescent-shaped dent/dimple near bottom edge; other expected surface scratches & patina Each vintage piece has been examined by a graduate gemologist. Stone carat weights stated represent approximate weights which can vary by the limitations of measuring set gems. Due to the age, antique & vintage jewelry & sterling objects are often not perfect, & may have normal signs of surface wear, or small imperfections due to hand crafting or production in a long gone era rather than mass-manufactured nature. This is what makes each piece special & unique! Please click on FAQs Do I require signature requirements at the bottom of this listing to read shipping policies regarding signature requirements. Thank you. Antique Estate Sterling Silver Merrill Shops - Ny, Ny Lidded Tea Caddy With Monogram
