A Massive Victorian Solid Silver Tea Caddy / Ginger Jar / Vase - John Septimus Beresford 1876

Description and Details 

We have had the pleasure to acquire and offer this impressive, Victorian solid silver ginger jar/ large tea caddy made by John Septimus Beresford in London, 1876.

Unquestionably, the huge size and immense presence of this piece will be its highlight at first glance.

In addition to its magnitude, this piece has been elegantly decorated in the manner of 'Queen Anne'; apparent by the two sections of fluted decoration separated with two bands of chased rope twist.

The overall shape of this piece is in the form of a baluster shaped jar, (as seen above with the gilt caddy), albeit magnified by an almost absurd amount. Despite its large size, the intricacy and fine details have also been engraved and chased with great care. 

Whilst it may be used to store ginger or tea leaves practically (for perhaps an excessive tea lover, or more realistically, tea houses or cafes today), due to its large size, the jar will equally make for an excellent display piece whether be it as a vase or a table centrepiece. 

Tea was introduced to England from China in the middle of the 17th Century and was very highly valued.

Although today tea is readily available and affordable, in the past, it was only available to the very wealthy who subsequently stored it in exquisite containers such as fine wooden boxes and silver canisters.

During the Victorian era when this piece was made, tea was more available to all echelons of society, and as such, further distinctions of status and wealth could be displayed by the accessories used during tea time (such as fine porcelain & silverware). 

This jar is made from Britannia silver (higher grade than sterling, 95.83%) - A full set of English hallmarks are marked just above the top band of twisted rope.  

Size