Edward VIII Silver-gilt Tea Caddy & Spoon

With its crown finial and the Prince-of-Wales' feathers adorning the base of the caddy and spoon finial, this exquisite tea caddy and spoon combination were likely made to celebrate the coronation of King Edward VIII in 1936. However, as Edward abdicated prior to the coronation, this pairing were no doubt still considered saleable objects as they were not overtly commemorative and could be considered merely patriotic! A nice touch is the narrow wire mount around the shoulder of the caddy that is decorated with alternate lion passant and Prince of Wales feathers motifs.

Both pieces are gilt all over with an attractive lemon colour gold and they bear identical London hallmarks for the Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Company Limited. It is rare to find caddies with complementing original spoons and these are a particularly good looking pair.

King Edward VIII (1894 to 1972) was the eldest son of George V and became Prince of Wales in 1910. He succeeded his father on January 20th 1936, but abdicated on December 11th of the same year in favour of marrying the previously twice married Wallis Simpson. His brother became King George VI, whilst Edward retired to France and died there in 1972.