An unusual George III sterling silver ‘Grecomania’ tea caddy, London 1775 by Samuel Whitford II

Of compressed ovoid form with ribbed decoration to resemble staves, a centrally applied band of rectangular sections with four bosses, three with classical scenes of goddesses, Athena, Aphrodite and another possibly Hera, the front one engraved with a contemporaneous crest of a demi-lion rampant. The hinged disc lid surmounted by a cast figure of a reclining Clio, muse of history with a scroll in her hand. Lock mechanism present (defunct), key absent. Fully marked underneath, part-marked to the lid.

Height – 13 cm / 5.25 inches

Weight – 377 grams / 12.12 ozt