Victorian Burr Walnut Tea Caddy with Secret Dedication

This is a wonderful mid 19th Century Victorian antique tea caddy, constructed from solid mahogany and veneered in burr walnut with tulipwood banding. The front has a decorative mother of pearl keyhole escutcheon. The box opens to reveal the original interior with twin removable mahogany caddies with remains of the original silvering. The top of the caddy slides open to reveal a secret compartment at the bottom of which is a small hole - if a needle or similar is pushed in a panel on the interior of the lid drops to reveal a hand drawn message showing the caddy was given as a present from husband to wife. A lovely touch to an already great item. It has a working lock and tassled key.