Rare South Staffordshire Bilston Enamel Portrait Snuff Box

A rare South Staffordshire Bilston enamel portrait snuff box with a pink gingham ground, the lid with a central cartouche with a gilt border enclosing a portrait of a lady, with a high hairstyle topped by a lace hat, holding a small dog. To either side of the cartouche are gilt roses and leaves. The front, back and sides of the box are decorated with raised enamel flower sprays. The base and interior are white enamel. Notes: We have not seen this portrait before in reference books or museum collections. Width: 7.3cm (2.9in) Height: 2.8cm (1.1in) Depth: 4.9cm (1.9in) Condition: Fine stress/hair lines throughout, particularly in the interior. No chips or losses. No restoration found under ultraviolet light.