A purple-ground painted enamel snuff box, probably Bilston, circa 1765

rectangular, the lid lavishly painted with fruits on a marble table accompanied by a small stripy-shelled snail, the sides with similar still lives, all within vari-coloured raised scrolls on a lavender ground, with raised white dotted chequering, later metal mounts

Ionides collects ion, Replica Shoes 's London, 17 June 1980, lot 104

Lid with four flaking cracks round borders, one to right; two from front, one crossing into picture as far as the middle of the lower bunch of grapes; one from top. Interior with further old cracks (two slightly restored) and haircracks not visible on the exterior. Base with minor star crack and wear round edges. Colours brilliant and excellent painting.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any stat.mes nt made by Replica Shoes 's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The hand that painted a very small group of enamel boxes with fruit, such as the present example, has not so far been identified. The painting is of the highest quality with a mature attention to detail and richness of colour rarely to be found on English enamels.