An English enamel patch box of theatrical interest c.1805

An English enamel patch box of theatrical interest c.1805, the oval top printed in black with a titled profile portrait of 'Young Roscius', the moulded sides enamelled green, a mirror to the interior lid, 4.2cm.

William Henry West Betty (1791-1874) was a popular child actor of the early 19th century, known as the young Roscius. He retired from the stage in 1808 to attend Christ's College in Cambridge, and although he tried to stage two comebacks he officially gave up acting in 1824.