A George II mahogany and white metal inlaid tea caddy circa 1750

the interior containing three 18th century Chinese export ceramic cannisters with white metal tops, restorations

Two cannisters chipped around the rim and the other is chipped round the bottom. The interior of the lid with red baize hinged cover secured by a now detached metal locking mechanism. Minor veneer restorations to the front top left corner of edge of top and rear. Feet possibly replaced
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This unusual tea caddy with its delicate white metal inlay belongs  to a small group of  furniture which has become linked with the firm of John Channon (b.1711-1783), 109 St. Martin`s Lane, London and his contemporaries such as Thomas Landall ( 1724-c.1756) and John Gordon who traded from the sign of the `Griffin and Chair', Little Argyl Street, London, and Frederick Hintz who worked at `The Porcupine', Newport Street, near Leicester Fields ( 1738). All of these makers used the metal inlay seen in the present tea caddy and it is therefore not possible to attribute it to any one maker. Landall & Gordon produced a trade card advertising the fact that they produced tea caddies or `tea chests' as they were described, suggests that they might be a possible maker further supported by the fact a tea-chest signed by Landall is known to exist although whereabouts presently unknown. It is interesting to note that Thomas Chippendale recommends in his prefatory notes to designs for tea chests in the Director (1762) that `the Ornaments should be of Brass or Silver'. The reference could be for mounts but could also equally well apply to inlay. For further information see Christopher Gilbert and Tessa Murdoch, John Channon and brass-inlaid furniture 1730-1760, 1993, pp.121-126.