1790 Battersea Bilston Enamel "the Gift of a Friend" Motto Patch Box

Description

An oval Battersea Bilston English Enamel Love Motto Patch Box. The top reads “The Gift of a Friend” with a … more An oval Battersea Bilston English Enamel Love Motto Patch Box. The top reads “The Gift of a Friend” with a decorative border. The base is Sky Blue enamel. The inside lid has the original mercury mirror.

The box is in good condition. Some crazing on the top. Tiny chips on the back of the base. The hinges are good with a nice patina. The box closes good and tight.

Measures approximately 1 ½” x 1 1/8” x 7/8” tall.

This Patch Box is English, enamel on copper. Circa 1790.

Patches were the 18th century equivalent of beauty marks and were traditionally little pieces of gummed black silk taffeta or velvet used to draw attention to a particular facial feature and to flatter the complexion. less