Toye, Kenning & Spencer Enamel Box Christmas 1981

Collectibles : Enamel Box : Toye, Kenning & Spencer

 

This beautiful English enamel box was produced by Toye, Kenning & Spencer LTD for Neiman Marcus. The enamel lid is hand painted with holly berries, leaves and pine cones for a Christmas theme. The Certificate of Authenticity insert states that the box "...has been decorated by applying an outline transfer and is then completely coloured by hand and that the designs are original creations of Toye, Kenning & Spencer." Someone has handwritten on the certificate in pen "NM Xmas 1981." The insert states Fine Birmingham Enamels on the cover, and has a history of enamel boxes inside along with the COA. It has been torn and taped back together.

The base of the box is enameling over copper in the three centuries old tradition of the Bilston & Battersea boxes produced as "toys" or bibelots for use as patch (beauty marks) boxes, snuff boxes, or sweet (to fresh breaths) boxes in the 1700s and early 1800s. The inside of the lid has an inscription stating "A hush is over everything. The world is waiting for the Spring. Sarah Teasdale." The enamel box is in excellent condition with no damage. It comes in its original satin lined presentation box, which is also in excellent condition. The enamel box has the TKS and Neiman Marcus marks on the bottom. It measures about 1.75" across the base and sits just over an inch high. The base is a dark green. The camera flash tends to make it appear somewhat lighter in color.

Item ID: 1420