ENGLISH THUYA WOOD TEA CADDY WITH HESTER BATEMAN STERLING TEA SPOONS AND STERLING GEORGE NATTER TEA SCOOP,mid-18th century. Tea caddy in rectangular form with domed lid in thuya wood with kingwood string inlay. Opens to reveal to central slotted compartment holding six Hester Bateman sterling teaspoons having repousse squirrels representing Charles II (legend tells of his utilizing an oak tree to conceal himself during the Battle of Worcester), mother-of-pearl and tortoise shell sugar tong and sterling tea scoop, possibly George Natter. Central fitted compartment flanked by two lidded compartments with original lining largely intact and ivory pulls. Lock intact with two keys. - 6 3/18" high x 9" wide x 5" deep. Estimate $2,000-3,000
Few areas of loss to edge of caddy as shown in photos.