Halcyon Days Enamels of England set out to revive the eighteenth century English craft of enameling over copper to produce lovely little boxes which were originally used for beauty patches, snuff, or candies. This beautiful red rectangular enamel box was made by the English company, Halcyon Days, sometime between the 1980 to 1995. The date is based on the fact that the box is shown in the reference book entitled "The First 25 Years of Halcyon Days Enamels, The Revival of an English 18th-Century Craft" by the founder of Halcyon Days, Susan Benjamin, published in 1995. It was issued as part of the wildlife series which was first begun in 1973. This piece has the oval Halcyon Days Enamels mark on the underside which was used between 1980 and 2000.

The book shows the piece on page 125. It states: "A famous African elephant named Ahmed was Kenya's National Monument - before it was shot. It is depicted on the embossed lid of a box after a painting by the artist Fleur Cowles." The piece is number 121 of a limited edition of 200 boxes which was commissioned by Hollywood's James Stewart, "who loved and visits Africa (with camera) every year. He, like millions concerned about elephant poaching, was afraid this giant would be shot - it was."

This enamel box has a beautiful red base with the gorgeous elephant painting on the lid. The elephant is embossed in a raised design. The interior has the Jimmy Stewart statement and replica of artist's signature. The underside has the oval Halcyon days mark and states: "Design after a painting by Fleur Cowles. In an edition limited to two hundred boxes, issued in support of Elefriends. This is box no. 121."

The enamel box is in excellent condition with no damage. The brass bezel shows very slight aging. The base measures just over 2.75" long and 2" wide. It has no presentation box, but does come with the Certificate of Authenticity card (which has been folded at some time to fit inside the box).

A gorgeous piece for any elephant lover or collector of Halcyon Days, enamel boxes, etc.