A tea caddy or two will rope in tea lovers at Melbourne auction

Tea lovers the world over can now find the perfect place to store their favourite beverage. Australian collectors Neil and Jannis Pascoe have spent a lifetime collecting antique wooden tea caddies in all shapes and sizes and are now parting with their collection of more than 70 examples – all in fantastic condition.

Melbourne-based Christian McCann Auctions will auction the entire Pascoe collection, which also includes rare quality Australian colonial furniture, as part of its forthcoming auction from 12pm Sunday April 3 at 7 Harper Street, Abbotsford.

Interspersed with the Pascoe collection will be English furniture from private collections, jewellery and other collectables.

The first tea caddy to be offered in the auction will be lot 310, a fine quality English George III turtle shell two section serpentine shaped tea caddy with mother of pearl floral inlay.

While some tea caddies in the collection are reasonably conventional in shape, many show the creative imaginations of their designers.

Such a one is the interesting Faux tortoise example in reminiscent of a country manor (lot 334), while lot 399 is an English early 20^th century tea caddy in the form of a kitchen stove of the era.

Lot 351 is another great exponent of the art. It features a finely carved 19^th century black forest walnut two compartment tea caddy with carved bird decoration on the lid and carved floral decorations on the front and sides.

The auction furniture on offer is equally appealing, not least an outstanding quality 19^th century English two door burr walnut credenza (lot 321) and a 19^th century burr walnut dressing table (lot 322).

Particularly attractive is a 19^th century English burr walnut davenport fitted with four drawers (lot 324).

Perhaps the pick of the furniture items is an early 19^th century English flame mahogany library table on turned column and platform base (lot 367) with a catalogue estimate of $10,000-$15,000.

Another important piece is a 19^th century rosewood seven door carved breakfront bookcase with floral decorations and ormolu mounts (lot 421).

Unusual is a floral Italian demi lune cabinet on a stretcher base (lot 474).

The auction also contains a comprehensive range of affordable jewellery including a striking 18-carat white gold, emerald and diamond ring (lot 277).