Silver tea canisters, that were used to store dry tea leaves, were produced in England from the last quarter of the 17th century and remained fashionable well into the 18th century. They are often rectangular, octagonal or oval in form and topped with a domed cap for measuring the tea and feature sliding bottoms for re-filling. The plain reserves on this pair were engraved ca. 1839 with bands of diaperwork, rosettes and shells. They are also both engraved with the arms of Platt of Wiggin, Co. Lancaster impaling Piggott.
