Halcyon Days Enamel Box Christmas 1988

Collectibles : Enamel Box : Halcyon Days : Christmas

 

The craft of enameling over copper to produce small boxes used for snuff or ladies beauty marks (known as patches) was popular in the 1700's but passed out of favor by the early 1800's. Susan Benjamin, owner of Halcyon Days, an antique store in London, spearheaded the revival of the craft and produced the first Bilston & Battersea Enamels designed by Halcyon Days in 1970. In 1980, the name was changed to Halcyon Days Enamels. The beautiful little boxes have become extremely collectible and continue to be produced.

This beautiful little enamel box is from the Christmas series and is dated 1988. The annual Christmas series of boxes has been produced since 1973. Each is only produced for the year dated. The lid on this one has a Christmas tree surrounded by a holly wreath. The base is encircled with red ribbons and holly and the sayings Joy and Happiness, Seasons Greetings, Peace on Earth, and Goodwill to Men. The interior is decorated in color with a Christmas tree on a snowbank surrounded by a red ribbon and bow. The enamel box is in excellent condition. It measures 1.75" in diameter at the base. Unfortunately I do not have the original presentation box with velvet interior which would have stated "By appointment to H. M. Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, Halcyon Days Ltd. London Suppliers of Objects D'Art." According to Susan Benjamin in her book, The First 25 Years of Halcyon Days Enamels, "Between 1972 and 1987 we were honoured to be granted their [the British Royal Family] royal warrants as the first ever 'Suppliers of Objects d'Art' and one of just ten firms to hold all four royal warrants."

Item ID: 1392