Customer Reviews

Reed and Barton Gourmet Tea Chest - Cherry

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Overall, the tea chest met my expectations. However, despite receiving the item in its original factory packaging which seemed careful and complete, the brass plate engraved "Tea" was scratched despite a blue film protector. Customer service offered to replace it but only once I returned the brass plate to them. While I appreciate their quickly offering to replace the item, I felt that requiring me to unscrew the item, package it, and incur a mailing cost for something that probably doesn't cost $1.00 to manufacture was unnecessary.

This is a well-made item. Good job of staining, nice construction, fine hardware. It comes with an envelope you can use to send away for a personalized cover plate if you like. Nicely packaged for shipping.

Basically the box is painted press board to look like wood. The handles on the side are cheap tin. It looks like something from a 5 and 10 store. The only real thing is the brass plate on top. I'm embarrassed to give it as a gift and ended up giving it to my kids to play with. What a disappointment. It must be a mistake in shipment. The box is not worth more than $12.

I received no envelope or form to submit for a customized metal detal. A number of emails and a few phone calls and discussions with Nancy's produced no results, from either Nancy's or with Reed and Barton, whom they indicated they would contact.

I recently received this Reed & Barton tea chest. It is smaller than I had imagined but I was able to load this chest and throw away seven tea boxes. The finish is very nice and is even; also, the lid and the box finish match. It has iodized brass finish handles and is lined with a forest green flocked cardboard liner/dividers. It has a good set of wide hinges and the lid stands up on its own without falling backwards. There is nice wood detailing on the box and lid, like molding, which adds to the look and interest of the chest. This chest has weight and feels substantial in the hand. I was told by the vendor that it was made of an MDF board. In truth, I would prefer an heirloom tea chest of solid wood/black cherry finish/colonial feet/real brass fittings/real wood dividers/lid and box lined with tin. An all wood interior would be acceptable as long as the quality of the wood is there. I gave this a four star because of the flocked cardboard liner/dividers. If you are going to go this far to make a quality and expensive product, why not go all out? However, all things being considered, I am very please with this tea chest and it won't be going back; it looks fabulous on my counter and it brings me joy looking at it all throughout the day.

Amazing service! My mother was so excited and love the tea chest very much! Thank you!!! : )