ANTIQUE BILSTON ENAMEL BOX PATCH/SNUFF BOX 18TH. C.

ENGLISH ENAMEL BOX WITH INSCRIPTION

BILSTON

LATE 1700'S-EARLY 1800'S

• An English enamel box inscribed with "A Token of Friendship" dating to the early 1800's, possibly late 1700's. 
•  Most likely Bilston, since Bilston is usually associated with boxes bearing inscriptions.
• Originally created as a snuff box or box for storing small items (ie. sewing items).  These are often referred to in general terms as patch boxes; however, without a mirror they more than likely were snuff boxes.
• The  navette-shaped oval hinged box has a robin's egg blue base with a white top.  The top has a deep royal blue shield outlined in raised white enamel. 
•  Inset in the shield, the inscription has been hard to capture in pictures.  The inscription is much easier to see when holding the box.  The deep cobalt color of the shield tends to hide the age worn letters....however, they are there. 
• The boxes with incriptions are highly collectable due to the inscriptions that range from regards to romantic.
• Size; almost 2 inches long by 1 1/4 inches or 5 cm by 3cm
• Condition, good.  Please note small repair to lid (front left).  Crazing in accordance with age (an enamel box of this age should have crazing)  One raised enamel dot has worn off.  Gold letters shown wear (please refer to photos.

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