A PAIR OF GEORGE I SILVER TRIANGULAR TEA CADDIES

This rare form of caddy appears to be uniquely made by the silversmith Anthony Nelme. A pair from 1717 were sold from the R. M. W. Walker Collection at Christie's, London, 11 July 1945, lot 142. They were engraved B and G for Bohea and Green tea - see note to lot 76. The following lot in the Walker sale was a further pair dated 1716, which were exhibited at the Loan Exhibition of Old English Plate, 25 Park Lane, London, 1929, no. 505. A pair of triangular vessels described as caddies 'of triangular form, with pierced tops to form casters' were sold Christie's, London, 16 May 1916, lot 112, however, it is unclear if the piercing was original and they were intended to be used as casters, or whether they were caddies that had been later adapted.