Peter Krider Sterling Repousse Tea Caddy with Scenic Decoration, Philadelphia, PA, c. 1870's

This large tea caddy is one of the finest Krider pieces we've had the privilege to sell. It's also one of the best American tea caddies we've ever had. Of elongated octagonal form, each panel features scenic landscapes which include a castle, a church and a pair of riders on horseback. The top and bottom of each panel feature floral repoussé work with a stippled background, framing the landscape scenes.

On the back panel a cartouche meant for a monogram has been filled with a similarly repousséd crest - a ship sailing in heavy seas. Clearly, this is custom work done in Krider's shop. The finial on the hinged lid is a large cast bunch of grapes with leaves. We purchased this with the Kettle on Stand and it has the same family crest.

Krider was one of the finest silversmiths working in Philadelphia during the 19th century. After serving an apprenticeship with the noted Philadelphia firm of R. & W. Wilson, he worked for the important Boston silversmith Obadiah Rich. Returning to Philadelphia, he started his own firm in the early 1850's. His shop excelled at casting, and was one of the largest medal making firms in the country - commissioned to make award medals for the Centennial Exposition in 1876 and others. They produced exceptional pieces (like this) which can be found in many museum collections.

This caddy is marked underneath with Peter Krider's trademark, 'STERLING' and 'P.L. KRIDER CO.' It measures 5.5 inches high, 5.5 inches wide and 3.75 inches deep. It weighs a very impressive 20.05 troy ounces and is in excellent condition.