From a time when tea was a luxury and expensive to buy, it would be stored in such a box and locked to keep it safe. 
It would likely have been lined with tin, however this had long gone, however the compartments still have each individual lid. 
This lovely little box has been decorated with the owner’s initials E.B. And beautifully decorated, which it still is. 
Useful for a miriad of things. 
Measurements: 30.5 x 14 x 14cm high.