French Brass Edged Tulipwood Tea Caddy c.1870

Nice quality French tulipwood tea caddy in very good condition. Very attractive shape with serpentine curves to the front, angled corners and very slight dome to the top of the lid, all typical of French manufacture. Clever use of grain direction and what is mainly three different colours of hundreds of tiny diamond shaped pieces of veneer to give the impression of 6 pointed stars and 3D blocks similar to Tunbridge Ware. Cross grain border complemented by the veneer to the four corners. Brass edging to the lid. Angle cut veneers to all aspects of the caddy exterior featuring eight bands to the front and book matched twin pieces to the sides and back. All veneer with the exception of a small degree of restoration to the back right corner of the lid (please see photographs) is original, complete and in superb condition. The lid closes square and true on the original brass hinges. Original lock with a replacement working key supplied. Original veneer to the lid interior. The lids are replacements, are a perfect fit and blend extremely well in terms of colour and lustre. Both storage sections feature the remains of the original foil lining in what is in far better condition than to be expected on a caddy of the period. An extremely attractive caddy and an excellent addition to any collection.