"May War Ever Cease

“MAY WAR EVER CEASE
AND FRIENDSHIP INCREASE”

Circa 1790's English enamel on copper 'patch' box Celebrating

Reconciliation – After the Revolution, between Britain and the new United States (and between tempestuous lovers ?)

Called “toyes” in the Enlightenment/Georgian era, these miniature enamels were designed to charm and delight by the variety of their forms, images and ideas, expressed with wit and/or sentiment ... trinkets purchased as impromptu gifts, often by a man of fashion for his lady companion, on a stroll of fashionable venues.

The size & form of this one, and the mirror inside, suggests it was a Patch Box-- for tiny star or heart-shaped facial ornaments
...and suggests that the message of Reconciliation between warring states was meant for a quarreling couple as well.

Box : height 1" x 1-3/4" x 1-1/3"
Enamel oval, with image : 1-5/8" x 1-1/4"

Condition : “as found” – visible cracks, but sound
# 2613 f ................ ............... $ 650.