Halcyon Days Enamels Tall Box with Old World Map and Sailing Ships

Collectibles : Enamel Box : Halcyon Days

 

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. They are used today as trinket boxes, pill boxes, or just given as a token of love or affection.

This beautiful enamel box is one of the taller styles produced measuring about 1.75" tall and 1.5" in diameter at the base. The theme is an old world map of the globe with sailing ships and compass rose symbols. The inside of the lid has a drawing of a sextant. The enamel box is in excellent condition shiny gold tone brass bezel. The lid opens and closes with ease. It comes in the original navy blue presentation box with velvet interior and a booklet "The Story of Halcyon Days Enamels." The inside lid is stamped in gold lettering with the royal seals one of which states "By appointment to H. M. Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, Halcyon Days Ltd. London Suppliers of Objects D'Art." The other begins "By appointment to her Majesty The Queen..." and continues with the same inscription as the other. 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: 1421