Antique Battersea England Enameled Moto Oval Box "Remember Me When This You See"
Description: Antique circa mid to late 18th century Battersea style enameled copper small oval box. The box has a hinged lid with an intact hinge but closes loosely. The lid is decorated with a colored transfer design showing a basket of flowers with the legend "Remember me When this you see" surrounding and very colorful floral design along the edge surrounding it all. This type of box is known as Staffordshire Moto Box and were very common in the 1700s. The box, may have been a patch box which lost its mirror or a snuffbox, which we believe is most probable. The box has a flat oval base which extends slightly outwards and has straight rising sides which are undecorated. The inside of the box is white and undecorated. The top of the box and the lid are fitted with a brass ringed hinge. Although the edges and hinges are dark in color, we believe they are brass which has darkened with age. This box is in what I would categorize as very good condition with no significant chips, no cracks, and no losses to the enamel. The box has a small spot on the bottom which appears to be a manufacturing defect resulting from a bubble exploding during the enameling process. The box is unmarked but we believe it is English and from South Staffordshire or Birmingham. We further believe it is from the mid to late 1700s. Please carefully review the photos presented as they are part and parcel of our description.
Date: Mid to late 1700's.
Origin: South Staffordshire or Birmingham, England.
Size: Measures ~1 1/2" by ~1 1/8" at the base and is ~3/4" high and weighs slightly less than 1 ounce (26.5 grams).
Maker: Unknown.
Marks: Unmarked.
Distinguishing Characteristics - Most Interesting About The Piece: A beautiful antique and very desirable piece in great condition after being around for over 250 years, which would make a great addition to any collection of enamel Battersea boxes. This is a true antique and these Battersea boxes are becoming more and more difficult to come by.
Condition: The box is in very good condition after being around for over 250 years. It is all original with no repairs, except for possibly losing a mirror from the inside of the lid, which we feel may not have happened and the box was always meant to be a snuffbox with no mirror. The hinge is intact and the lid closes but does not lock itself in instead it sits rather loosely on top of the box. The enameling throughout the inside and outside intact with some minor scratches and a small minor chip here and there all of which can be seen in the photos. It has no cracks or repairs. The box has a small spot on the bottom which appears to be a manufacturing defect resulting from a bubble exploding during the enameling process. The box is soiled and the brass ringed hinge on the edge of the bottom and the lid has darkened with age or may have been lacquered. Despite all of these issues, the box is still great looking and worthy of a spot in any collection. Please see photos to appreciate the beauty and condition of this great piece.
