18th C Tea Caddy

I am planning on building an 18th century tea caddy as a Christmas gift for my wife. I have photographs of several originals, however none clearly show the hinges. In your book on period details of the 18th century I noticed a caddy that you made. Would you be kind enough to let me know what hinges were typically used for these boxes. I am making this box using hand tools and reproduction period hardware.

Thanks and as a professional woodworker I can testify that Amana tooling has served me well.

- Keith

Marshall, MI

Our Expert

Small boxes, such as tea caddies, keepsake boxes and miniature blanket chests, have tremendous appeal and make wonderful gifts.

One of the keys to making these small boxes so appealing is getting the tiny details right. Tea caddies typically use ordinary butt hinges of a smaller scale than those used on cabinet doors. You can find period hinges and other hardware from Ball-and-Ball and Horton Brasses.

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