Antique Bilston Enamel Patch Box c1780 “New Mackrel” Cries London Pink Georgian For Sale

A charming little piece of 18th-century life in the form of an antique Georgian enamel patch box.Dating to around 1780 and attributed to the South Staffordshire / Bilston enamel tradition, this petite enamel-on-copper box has a wonderfully detailed hand-painted street scene across the lid. A fish seller offers her wares to a woman, with the words “New Mackrel” painted above the scene.The subject belongs to the tradition of the “Cries of London,” a popular theme in 18th-century decorative arts depicting the street vendors, tradespeople and everyday scenes of London life.The box itself is a lovely pale pink enamel with a scalloped, almost flower-like form and an aged dark metal mount. The original white counter-enamel interior remains, while the small mirror originally fitted inside the lid is no longer present.Patch boxes such as this were fashionable personal accessories in Georgian England and were used to hold beauty patches and other small personal items. Today, examples like this are highly decorative little survivors and make wonderful additions to collections of antique enamel boxes, Georgian antiques or miniature painted objects.DETAILS* Antique Georgian enamel patch box
* Circa 1780
* Attributed to the South Staffordshire / Bilston enamel tradition
* England
* Hand-painted “New Mackrel” fish seller scene
* “Cries of London” subject
* Pale pink enamel exterior
* Scalloped Georgian form
* Original hinged dark metal mount
* White counter-enamel interior
* Original interior mirror no longer present
* Approx. 2 7/8” long x 2 1/8” wide x 1 1/8” tallCONDITION
Very good antique condition overall, with the expected signs of age and use.The painted decoration remains wonderfully vibrant, with some gentle surface wear and age-related imperfections. The original small mirror that would have been fitted inside the lid is no longer present. The hinge and metal mount remain intact, and the box closes securely.Please zoom in on all photographs, particularly the close-ups, as the photographs are part of the description and show the condition and details of this nearly 250-year-old object.A wonderfully sweet survivor from Georgian England, with an especially charming “Cries of London” subject.