18th Century Battersea [Patch] Box , Enameled Copper with Quote & Mirror, as in museum

Being offered is a lovely late 18th century Battersea/ Bilston box, often referred to as a Patch Box. It measures 1.77” x 1.50” x 0.91” with an enameled fuchsia copper base and a white enameled top with English Script adage. Inside the lid is a very worn mirror. On the lid in beautiful script is “Virtue is the greatest / Ornament of the Fair”.

The time-honored proverb "Virtue is the greatest ornament of the Fair" is a variation on a common theme, highlighting the importance of moral goodness as the most valuable quality of a person, particularly a woman. While "Fair" can be used to describe a person, it also refers to beauty, implying that true beauty is rooted in moral character.  

These small elaborate boxes would often be used for storing tiny colorful shapes that fashionable aristocrats and royalty would position on their face – usually black. This was stylish in the 18th century and used by both men and women, also used to hide blemishes and pox marks.

These boxes originated in England, and many had a sentimental saying or proverb on the lid (see examples). They date to around the 1790s. It has some insignificant condition issues, like some tiny hair cracks and small chips on the enamel. The well-worn mirror is still present inside the lid and there are no cracks.

Although objects such as this are not military, they are a part of the time period and as such should also have some recognition.  I have done this in my own collections and when doing a display or exhibit, those pieces always attract attention. They make a nice softer touch to any early collection. There is an example of one of these boxes in the “Williamsburg, Virginia Colonial Museum” (see pictures).