Art Deco Aluminium and Bakelite Tea Caddy or Canister c.1930s

This is a highly attractive tea caddy or storage canister in true Art Deco style and dating to the second quarter of the 20th century.

The caddy is made from aluminium and is in a stepped barrel design. There is a central bladed band that is flanked by broad flat panels. This then ‘steps in’ above and below to form two wide panels that are decorated with circumferential bands of small squares. The lower portion has two shallow steps before reaching the plain, flat base. The upper portion forms the lid, which has a lower galleried portion, stepping into a curved shoulder and ending in a discoid upper portion that is topped with a cream plastic knop, which may be Bakelite.

It has a maximum height (including the lid) of approximately 13.0cm and a diameter across the base of about 7.7cm.

It has an unwrapped weight of 70g.

It is in good condition, with no chips or cracks, although the body is quite worn and tarnished in places. It has been lightly cleaned but left with the original patina.