A large Artificers Guild silver and copper caddy

Price range: £2,750

For sale is this lovely mixed metal, large, silver and copper tea caddy by the Artificers Guild. The copper body is highlighted in silver with classic Artificers Guild motifs.  The fully assayed id is made of sterling silver with lovely greenstone finial.  The caddy is lined with tin or zinc to protect the tea (or biscuits or tobacco) freshness.

The base of the box is not hallmarked, which would have been impossible under British assay rules.  It is in very good overall condition with great patina to the copper.

The interior of the lid is beautifully inscribed as shown in the photos, being a gift to Miss L Gibson by the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Memorial.

The Artificers Guild was originally established by Nelson Dawson along similar lines to Charles Ashbee’s Guild of Handicrafts but quickly changed ownership and from 1902 it’s chief designer became Edward Spencer who took over the firm as a limited company in 1909.

Maker: Artificers Guild

Designer: Edward Spencer (attrib)

Date :  1925

Marks: Lid: AsGdLd, London, k. Body not hallmarked

Material: Sterling silver, copper

Condition: Very good

Size: 11.25 cm max diameter, 14.5 cm high

Weight : 562 grams, 19.8 oz (not silver weight)