Battersea Bilston Enamel 'Must Have a Kiss' Motto Patch Box Circa 1790

Description

An oval Battersea Bilston English Enamel Love Motto Patch Box.
The top reads Who Opens this must Have a Kifs. … more An oval Battersea Bilston English Enamel Love Motto Patch Box.
The top reads Who Opens this must Have a Kifs. Written in old English where they use a f as an s meaning KISS. The top is Cobalt Blue and White with a Light Blue in the center. The base is Cobalt Blue.
The inside lid has the original Mercury mirror, however it disintegrated over the past 200 years. There are a couple of chips on the inside, pictured.
The box is in very good antique condition. Bright Vibrant Colors. The hinges are good with a nice patina. The box closes good and tight.

Measures approximately 1 ½” x 1 1/8” x ¾” tall. Pictured next to a quarter coin for scale.

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