George III Antique Silver Tea Caddy, London 1768.

Object Description

A fine quality silver locking tea cannister of circular, straight sided form topped by a very pretty floral mount. The engraved scroll borders form four panels to the side; one having a coat of arms within an expansive cartouche, the other three with oriental calligraphy. The lock has a snap shut feature requiring the little key provided to open the lid again. A nice feature is the original tinned interior which helps keep the tea box contents fresh.

Weight 561g, 18.2 troy oz.
Height 12.7cm. Diameter 10.5cm.
London 1768.
Maker William & Aaron Lestourgeon.
Sterling silver.

Marks. Stamped underneath with a full set of English silver hallmarks, the lid with lion and maker’s marks.

Arms. Possibly the marital arms of a D’Oyly and his heiress wife. More details on request.

Maker: William & Aaron Lestourgeon

William & Aaron Lestourgeon

There seems to have been more than one William and Aaron Lestourgen working over an extended period during the 18th century and it is difficult to identify their relationship precisely. Lestourgen is a Huguenot name and there was also a David Lestourgeon (born in Rouen), a highly skilled London verge watch maker.

Aaron Lestourgeon (senior) of the Skinners Company was made free by redemption in 1723 and listed in the 1750 London Poll Book at Lawrence Poultney Row. Grimwade mentions no mark for him at Goldsmiths Hall and the 925-1000 forum states his death as 1750.

William, no record of apprenticeship or freedom, 1st and 2nd mark entered in partnership as smallworker with Aaron in 1767 and 1768. 3rd, 4th and 5th marks alone 1772, 1773, 1776. He paid Land Tax on property in St Martin le Grand parish from 1747- 60 and in Aldersgate Street until 1763. He last paid Land Tax at Mouldmaker Row in 1771 and then presumably retired from business as the accounts of Parker & Wakelin show his son Aaron alone submitting invoices for payment from that year.

Aaron, possibly William’s son, no record of apprenticeship or freedom, 1st and 2nd mark entered in partnership as smallworker with William in 1767 and 1768. 3rd mark alone 1771.

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Object Literature

Tea in the early 18th Century was expensive, and also there was a tax on tea. so early tea caddies were small and made in precious materials such as silver, shagreen or tortoiseshell which reflected the valuable contents within. Some of the earliest silver examples have sliding bases (or tops) and the cap was used for measuring the tea. By the mid eighteenth century matching sets were available, with two caddies (for green and black tea) and a sugar bowl, all fitted into a wooden or shagreen case, often with silver mounts. During the late 1700’s the locking silver tea caddy was introduced with its own key which the lady of the house kept on the chatelaine around her waist. Double locking tea caddies in silver are rare.

Object Condition

The silver box is in very good condition with minor signs of wear commensurate with age. The engravings are sharp. The lock is fully functional and a key is provided.

Object Details