Victorian era tea caddy?

[Dennisj]

I have this gilded bronze tea caddy ( I believe) and I am looking for any information on how to safely remove corrosion without devaluing or defacing it. Also Is it a tea caddy or Opium box.

[mart]

Normally a tea caddy only has one lid !! And the opening would be larger in order to take tea out !!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

[KC]

Can you please list the dimensions?

This could be a spice box.

[Dennisj]

Dimensions are approx. 3x3x6 inches has 3 compartments  the center compartment is approx. 21/2 x 2 inches. It is bronze (confirmed not magnetic) with silver overlay. the hinges are pinned with bamboo. It was purchased in 1969 from an antiques dealer in Penang by an arts collector here in the US.

[KC]

I am still thinking this is a spice box!

[Dennisj]

OK, I have researched what I can and a Spice box is fine with me. I am still looking for ways to remove corrosion without damage. Any Ideas?

[mart]

Where is the corrosion, can you take a pic of it ??  Personally I would leave it alone !! Doing anything to it will reduce any value it has !!

[Dennisj]

that is my primary concern, however it has the chalk white type in the rightmost cavity. I don't want it to spread. I keep it in a stabilized environment.