A RARE MID 20TH CENTURY INDIAN SOLID SILVER TEA CHEST SHAPED CADDY, HAMILTON & CO C. 1958

A RARE MID 20TH CENTURY INDIAN SOLID SILVER TEA CHEST SHAPED CADDY, HAMILTON & CO C. 1958

the 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. inscribed 'O.J.Roy Esq, from Kasipur Plywood Co Calcutta, February 1959. Reverse Attrekaat tea co ltd, Borengajuli and the lid engraved with the north east region of India. Hallmarked with Indian export silver marks H & Co (Hamilton & Co), Silver (925 standard), W (year 1958), Elephant mark.

In Good Condition - No Damage.
Height: 14cm
Width: 11cm
Weight: 475g

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.