FINE SCARCE THOMAS BRADBURY STERLING SILVER TEA CADDY or SUGAR BOX LONDON 1907

Description

This is an Estate Fresh Antique Sterling Silver Tea Caddy from a long time collector of High End Sterling Hollowware.  I have purchased part of a huge collection and will be offering it here over the next several weeks.  This pieces are from all over place including Paris England Germany and here in the US.
This particular piece is a Beautiful Federal Style Tea Caddy or Sugar Box with 2 working flame decorated swing handles topped with a carved Pineapple Finial with Sterling accoutrements, all set on 4 Bun feet.  It has beautiful curved lines both horizontally and vertically, and tooled trim detail. The piece is a good quality example of this Silversmith Company's work.   The condition is described above.  It is well marked for its identification.
The marks are as follows:
“TB&S” for Thomas Bradbury & Sons;
a Lion passant for English sterling;
and a crowned leopard’s head for London;
“m” – date mark for made in 1907.  The box stands 5" tall x 4" wide and 3" deep.  The Caddy weighs 8.45 oz.
“
The business [of Thomas Bradbury & Sons of London, England,] traces its origin to Fenton, Creswick & Co, a partnership involving Matthew Fenton (an apprentice of Thomas Law), Richard Creswick and William Watson. They were active as silversmiths and Sheffield platers and were among the first to enter their mark at the Sheffield Assay Office in 1773.
In 1789 Fenton left the firm and was replaced by Edward Oakes. The firm changed its style to Fenton, Creswick, Oakes & Co. In 1795 the partnership was dissolved and the business was continued under the style of Watson & Co under the partnership of Thomas Watson, James Fenton and Thomas Bradbury I (a former apprentice of the firm).
Later, Thomas Bradbury II (son of Thomas Bradbury I) and William Watson (nephew of Thomas Watson) were admitted to the partnership.  In 1831 William Watson retired and the business was continued by Bradburys (Thomas I and II) under the style of Thomas Bradbury & Son.  The firm was active at Arundel Street, Sheffield with London showroom at 12 Gough Square, Fleet Street.
In 1855 the firm changed its name to Thomas Bradbury & Sons, under the partnership of Joseph and Edward Bradbury (sons of Thomas Bradbury II).  In 1877 the partners were Thomas Bradbury III (brother of Joseph Bradbury) and John Sutherland Henderson.  The partnership was dissolved in 1888 and the firm was managed by Walton Turner Bradbury, Joseph Bradbury Jr and Frederick Bradbury (sons of Joseph Bradbury Sr). Frederick Bradbury is the author of the fundamental book "A History of Old Sheffield Plate".
The business was converted into a limited liability company in 1905, under the style Thomas Bradbury & Sons Ltd.  The company closed its activity in 1943 and dies and tooling were bought by Atkin Brothers.”
Please check out my
item condition description above
and check out my photos so that you will know exactly what you are buying
because you are buying it as seen, as is, and as found
.  Any questions PLEASE ask!   Thanks for looking at my Auctions & Buy it Nows, and PLEASE, check and see the other cool stuff I have listed currently!!
I
do not guarantee the age or details of any piece I sell, I am not an expert on age or anything else and can only describe the items to the best of my ability, though I will NOT, knowingly anyway, sell reproductions. My descriptions are solely there to assist buyers finding the items and are not a guaranteed accurate description of the item in all cases. Ultimately the pictures we take serve as my description and it is your decision based on that to decide what you are buying.  If you do need information I have neglected to include, please don't hesitate to ask any questions.
I'll combine shipping on any items sold, ending on the same day, if possible. I do reserve the right to change the posted delivery service as needed.