An early silver plate on copper tea caddy made by the Keswick School of Industrial Arts, circa 1890.

The tea caddy is decorated in a very classical style with birds, plants and figures. The repousse work is exceptional. A sold silver version of this caddy, hallmarked for 1889, can be seen on The Peartree Collection website:

https://www.thepeartreecollection.com/product/early-keswick-school-silver-tea-caddy/

The silver plating has worn in multiple spots and the lid hinge has been carefully restored by a skilled silversmith. I have chosen not to polish the piece as it has a nice aged patina. 

To the base of the tea caddy are the correct KSIA marks for the Keswick School of Industrial Arts. The base is also stamped with the initials “JB”. I have been reliably informed that these are the initials for John Birkett, a Keswick Jeweller and instructor in metalwork at the class from 1896.