A George II mahogany tea chest

A George II mahogany tea chest, of canted rectangular bombe form, the moulded edge hinged cover with a brass handle revealing three compartments, the front with an engraved brass escutcheon of a pair of fronded bird heads flanking a cartouche with a concealed flap, released by a button to the underside, the base moulding with a concealed drawer on the right side, raised on bracket feet, 6in (15.2cm) h, 12in (30.5cm) w. Exhibited: An Invitation to Tea, Witney Antiques, Witney, Oxfordshire, 1991. Literature: Gilbert, C. & Murdoch, T. John Channon and brass-inlaid furniture 1730-1760, 1993. A Landall & Gordon trade card of circa 1745 states 'Joyners, Cabinet & Chair Makers At ye Griffin & Chair in Little Argyle Street by Swallow Street...Makers...all sort of Cabinet Work.' and depicting a chair, a griffin and a tea chest. The escutcheon being similar to the chest above. Other examples of this escutcheon with the sprung flap have been found on bureau's and dressing boxes.