What were enamelled pill boxes used for?

These small containers held medicinal pills, breath fresheners, or scented substances for personal use throughout the day. Wealthy owners carried them within pockets or handbags for quick access. Over successive centuries, their purpose expanded to encompass cosmetics, small beauty patches, and snuff. Their portable nature made them standard accessories for fashionable individuals.

How do I date an antique enamel box?

Dating relies on hallmarks stamped on silver mounts, the style of the painted decoration, and the manufacturing technique. Eighteenth-century pieces often utilise copper bases with hand-painted pastoral scenes. Later Victorian and Edwardian examples frequently feature engine-turned guilloche patterns on sterling silver with official assay office stamps. Comparing the hinge construction and metal alloy helps confirm the period.

Where were Bilston enamel boxes made?

Bilston enamel boxes were produced in the town of Bilston in Staffordshire, England, during the eighteenth century. This region became a major hub for copper and enamel trinket production. Workshops in the area specialised in making small containers decorated with floral motifs, topographical views, and sentimental inscriptions. These items were widely traded across Britain.

How should I clean an antique enamel box?

Enamel surfaces require gentle cleaning with a soft, dry or slightly damp cloth to remove surface dust. Moisture should be kept away from exposed copper edges or antique metal hinges to prevent tarnishing. Harsh chemical dips and abrasive metal polishes will damage the delicate glass surface and ruin painted details. Preserving the original patina involves minimal handling and careful storage.

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Enamelled Pill Box

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An enamelled pill box is a small, portable container holding medicines or cosmetics, prized for miniature paintings and metalwork.

A Khlebnikov Russian Silver-gilt and Shaded Enamel Box / Case,

19th century

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A Khlebnikov Russian Silver-gilt and Shaded Enamel Box / Case,

From Bushells Antiques

£2,800

FOR SALE

boxes

18th C. Staffordshire Powder Pink Enamel Patch Box,
’A Token of Esteem’

18th century

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18th C. Staffordshire Powder Pink Enamel Patch Box, ’A Token of Esteem’

From Beech and Springs Antiques

£155

FOR SALE

boxes

A Rare Swiss Gold & Enamel Jewelled Vinaigrette Box Late 18th C

18th century

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A Rare Swiss Gold & Enamel Jewelled Vinaigrette Box Late 18th C

From Bushells Antiques

£5,500

FOR SALE

jewellery

George III South Staffordshire Enamel Patch Box

19th century

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George III South Staffordshire Enamel Patch Box

From Terrier Antiques at Hebden Bridge

£190

FOR SALE

boxes

Late 18th C. Staffordshire Enamel Patch Box, ‘Cheltenham Wells’

18th century

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Late 18th C. Staffordshire Enamel Patch Box, ‘Cheltenham Wells’

From Beech and Springs Antiques

£165

FOR SALE

boxes

Edwardian Silver Porcelain Enamel Jewel Box Birmingham 1907

1900 - 1920

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Edwardian Silver Porcelain Enamel Jewel Box Birmingham 1907

From Aramis Antiques

£450

FOR SALE

silver

A Small Superb and Delightful Waistcoat Pocket Oval Snuff Box

1900 - 1920

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A Small Superb and Delightful Waistcoat Pocket Oval Snuff Box

From Gerard Robinson Fine Art and Antiques

£325

FOR SALE

boxes

Exquisite Georgian Staffordshire Bilston Enamel Patch Box, Circa 1780

18th century

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Exquisite Georgian Staffordshire Bilston Enamel Patch Box, Circa 1780

From Julie Cartwright Antiques

£175

FOR SALE

boxes

18th century

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18th Century South Staffordshire Snuff Box - 'Musicians in Parkland'

From Treaders Collectables

£2,000

FOR SALE

boxes

19th century

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19th Century Enamel Rectangular Patch Box

From Treaders Collectables

£500

FOR SALE

ceramics

Listings feature enamelled pill boxes spanning the eighteenth century, the Victorian era, and the Edwardian period, alongside twentieth-century examples.

Heavy Antique Austrian Sterling Silver and Guilloche Enamel Pill Box C.1900

1900 - 1920

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Heavy Antique Austrian Sterling Silver and Guilloche Enamel Pill Box C.1900

From Puckerings

£1,095

FOR SALE

silver

1900 - 1920

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Stunning French Silver & Guilloche Enamel Pill Box

From Puckerings

£650

FOR SALE

boxes

18th century

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18th Century Chinese Beijing Enamel Snuff Box

From Treaders Collectables

£7,500

FOR SALE

boxes

Late 18th C. English Enamel Novelty Trinket Box

18th century

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Late 18th C. English Enamel Novelty Trinket Box

From Beech and Springs Antiques

£225

FOR SALE

boxes

18th century

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18th Century Bilston Enamel Rectangular Patch / Snuff Box Circa 1775

From Treaders Collectables

£1,000

FOR SALE

boxes

18th century

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18th Century Bilston Enamel Rectangular Patch / Snuff Box Circa 1780

From Treaders Collectables

£800

FOR SALE

boxes

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Enamelled Pill Box

A Khlebnikov Russian Silver-gilt and Shaded Enamel Box / Case,

18th C. Staffordshire Powder Pink Enamel Patch Box, ’A Token of Esteem’

A Rare Swiss Gold & Enamel Jewelled Vinaigrette Box Late 18th C

George III South Staffordshire Enamel Patch Box

Late 18th C. Staffordshire Enamel Patch Box, ‘Cheltenham Wells’

Edwardian Silver Porcelain Enamel Jewel Box Birmingham 1907

A Small Superb and Delightful Waistcoat Pocket Oval Snuff Box

Exquisite Georgian Staffordshire Bilston Enamel Patch Box, Circa 1780

18th Century South Staffordshire Snuff Box - 'Musicians in Parkland'

19th Century Enamel Rectangular Patch Box

Heavy Antique Austrian Sterling Silver and Guilloche Enamel Pill Box C.1900

Stunning French Silver & Guilloche Enamel Pill Box

18th Century Chinese Beijing Enamel Snuff Box

Late 18th C. English Enamel Novelty Trinket Box

18th Century Bilston Enamel Rectangular Patch / Snuff Box Circa 1775

18th Century Bilston Enamel Rectangular Patch / Snuff Box Circa 1780

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