Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Tea Caddy by Martin, Hall & Co. Sheffield 1897

Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Tea Caddy by Martin, Hall & Co. – Sheffield 1897

Confirmed Hallmarks

Maker: RM / EH — Richard Martin & Ebenezer Hall, for Martin, Hall & Co.

Assay office: Sheffield

Metal: Sterling silver — lion passant, 925 silver standard

Date: 1897

Period: Late Victorian

Object: Sterling silver tea caddy

Weight 74 grams

7 cm tall

6 cm wide

5 cm depth

A beautiful late Victorian sterling silver tea caddy, hallmarked for Sheffield 1897 and made by the well-regarded silversmiths Martin, Hall & Co., with the maker’s mark RM / EH for Richard Martin and Ebenezer Hall.

This charming caddy has a classic cylindrical form with a lift-off lid and decorative rope-twist borders to the lid, shoulder, and base. The design is elegant and restrained, allowing the soft aged silver patina and quality of the craftsmanship to speak for themselves. It is a lovely piece of late 19th-century English silver, made during a period when tea drinking remained an important domestic ritual and beautifully made silver tea wares were treasured household items.

Originally intended for storing loose tea, this piece would now make a wonderful decorative addition to a tea tray, sideboard, dresser, kitchen display, or antique silver collection. It also has lovely practical potential for storing small keepsakes, though it is being sold as an antique collectable rather than for food use.

The hallmarks identify the piece as English sterling silver, assayed in Sheffield in 1897, with maker’s mark RM / EH for Martin, Hall & Co. Condition is good antique condition, with light surface scratches, gentle tarnish, small marks, and age-related wear consistent with age and use. These details add to its authenticity and period charm.

A delightful piece of Victorian silver and tea history, with a desirable Sheffield maker and a beautifully decorative yet understated form.

Disclaimer: Antique and vintage items may show signs of age, use, patina, tarnish, or wear. Hallmarks have been interpreted from the visible marks and information available. This item is sold as an antique collectable and decorative piece.