ANTIQUE 19thC INDIAN SOLID SILVER TEA CHEST SHAPED CADDY, HAMILTON & CO c.1860
19th Century Indian colonial silver tea caddy shaped as a tea chest. Of square form, imitating a tea chest, with metal corner brackets and rivets, with a hinged lid and wood lined interior. Inside lid inscribed 'Presented to J.S Ross Esq, Superintendent Bubla Beta Tea Co ltd. With best wishes from the staff in the occasion of his retirement March 1960'.
Hallmarked with Indian export silver marks H & Co (Hamilton & Co), Silver (925 standard), Y, Elephant mark.
Reference Number: A7376
DESCRIPTION
Antique 19th Century rare Indian colonial solid silver tea caddy shaped as a tea chest. Of square form, imitating a tea chest, with metal corner brackets and rivets, with a hinged lid and wood lined interior. Inside lid inscribed 'Presented to J.S Ross Esq, Superintendent Bubla Beta Tea Co ltd. With best wishes from the staff in the occasion of his retirement March 1960'. Hallmarked with Indian export silver marks H & Co (Hamilton & Co), Silver (925 standard), Y, Elephant mark.
Hamilton & Co. was founded in 1808 when Robert Hamilton, a British citizen, moved to Calcutta and opened his Jewellery and Silversmithing shop at 5 Tank Square under license from the East India company.
Three years later, Robert Hamilton was the first English silversmith to open a shop in Old Court House street where the business remained until its closure in 1973. Henry and James Glazbrook joined the business in 1811 and new branches were opened in Bombay, Delhi and Shimla. The business quickly grew and the best artisans of the country were employed in its big workshop.
The brand’s polished silverware, with elegant lines and delicate decorations appealed the members of the British government as well as the Indian aristocracy. Soon the firm became a proper statement among European royalties, no less considered than Tiffany or Cartier.
In 1817 Robert Hamilton lost interest in the company but the business carried on thanks to new partnerships. After the independence of India in 1947 the business survived 26 years more, and it definitely closed in 1973.
CONDITION
In Great Condition - No Damage.
SIZE
Height: 11cm
Width: 9cm
Weight: 480g
