A superb mid-18th century George II period brass-inlaid tea caddy, attributed to Landall & Gordon. English, circa 1750.

Why we like it

Gorgeous proportions combined with figured mahogany and smart brass inlays. 

Attribution

The mid-18th century fashion for brass-inlaid tea tables, as popularized by Frederick Hintz (d. 1772) and his circle, naturally led to a demand for complimenting brass-mounted tea chests. The present tea caddy belongs to a small group enriched with brass-moulded edges and line inlays. Whilst John Channon (1711-1783) is perhaps the best known cabinet-maker who inlaid his furniture with brass, there were a number of other skilful makers such as Thomas Landall and his partner John Gordon who produced similar works of high quality.

For a tea chest of similar form and stamped T. Landall see Christopher Gilbert & Tessa Murdoch, John Channon and brass-inlaid furniture 1730-1760, London, 1993, p. 125, fig. 168 and p.20, fig.13. A further related example is in the collection of the Rhode Island School of Design Museum (Gilbert & Murdoch, op. cit., p. 124, fig. 167).

We had a pleasure of selling a closely related tea chest, similarly with the brass-strung edges and an identical handle and escutcheon to a distinguished private collector.

Dimensions

Width: 27 cm / 10.5”
Depth: 16.5 cm / 6.5”
Height: 16 cm / 6.25”