Antique Battersea Enameled Moto Patch Box Staffordshire England A Trifle Like This Should Secure Me a Kiss
Description: Antique circa mid to late 18th century Battersea style enameled copper oval patch box. The box has a hinged lid with an intact hinge and closes very well. The lid is decorated with transfer black design showing a seated couple kissing surrounded by trees and the legend "A Trifle like This Should Secure me a Kiss." This type of box is known as Staffordshire Moto Patch Box and were very common in the 1700s. The box has curved sides, which are undecorated. The box has a mirror on the onside of the lid, which we believe is a later substitution. The exterior of the box has some cracks to the enamel and a couple of small chips all of which can be seen in the photos. The inside is in a much better condition than the outside with light cracks to the enamel and no obvious chips. This box is in what I would categorize as very good condition with some minor chips, cracks, and losses to the enamel that are indicative of use and age. 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 7/8" by ~1 1/2" at the base and is ~7/8" high and weighs slightly over 1 ounce.
Maker: Unknown.
Marks: Unmarked.
Distinguishing Characteristics - Most Interesting About The Piece: A beautiful antique and very desirable piece 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 good condition after being around for over 250 years. It is all original with no repairs, except for possibly the mirror on the inside of the lid, which we feel may have been replaced at a later date. The hinge is intact and the lid closes well. The enameling throughout the inside and outside has some hairline cracks more pronounced on the outside especially on the lid and the back side of the box. It is less pronounced on the inside. The box also has a couple of chips to the enamel which can be seen in the photos. The mirror on the inside of the lid is clean and intact. The white enameled interior is also has some light cracks which are difficult to visualize 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.
