Antique Bilston Box - 1780-1790

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Fine Georgian Antique Bilston Enamel Patch Box – "Fair Maid Approve This Pledge of Love" – c. 1780–1790. An exceptional and highly collectible late 18th-century Georgian enamel pat ch box, manufactured in Bilston, South Staffordshire, England. This charming token of affection is made of vitreous enamel over a delicate copper form. The hinged lid features a finely executed, monochrome transfer-printed pastoral scene depicting a courting couple in 18th-century attire. The vignette is framed by the sentimental romantic inscription: "Fair Maid approve This Pledge of love." The interior features its original, fully intact glass mirror mounted inside the lid. The base of the box is finished in a clean, classic white enamel. Excellent antique condition, especially given its 240+ year age. Crucially, the internal mirror is intact and free of heavy desilvering or cracks. The enamel remains strong with no modern restorations, structural repairs, or significant chips. The original copper hinge and bezel are intact, and the lid opens and closes securely. (Please view all high-resolution photos for minor, age-expected fine hairlines consistent with authentic 18th-century enamel). Guaranteed authentic 18th-century Georgian Bilston enamel. A beautiful example of a Georgian "love token" that would make an outstanding addition to any serious antique vertu or enamel collection. -Size: 2 in x 1.4 in x 1. in -Materials: enamel on copper -Provenance: 18th century -Sourced from: England-Made in: England Show more