Vintage Wooden Tea Crate with Xmas Stencil







Vintage Wooden Tea Crate with Xmas Stencil
An evocative piece of merchant history, this vintage tea crate once held 5 lbs of “Specially Blended Terrace Tea” for Christmas. Crafted from solid wood with a timeworn patina, the box features dovetail joints, black painted stencil illustrations of a steamship and industrial buildings, and bold XMAS typography on the reverse. The lid slides open to reveal the original interior — once lined, now softly aged.
Dating from the early 20th century, likely 1910’s–30’s, this box was both packaging and advertisement. The fading print and rusted trim speak to its years of storage, travel, and purpose.
Perfect as a standalone decor piece, storage box, or styled prop, this crate tells its story with quiet flair.
Dimensions:
7.2" W × 7.5" D × 8" H (approx. 18.3 × 19.1 × 20.3 cm)
Condition:
Strong and structurally sound, with charming signs of age including scratches, worn print, and edge softness. Lid still slides with care. Interior unlined.
Repurposing Ideas
– Use as a rustic memory box or stationery caddy
– Line with linen for dried flowers or spice jars
– Style on open shelving beside vintage books and ceramics