An English enamel patch box c.1789

An English enamel patch box c.1789, painted in black with Britannia kneeling beside her shield and raising her hands in supplication, around the edge inscribed 'Lost to Britannia's hopes: But to her prayr's restor'd', the sides enamelled in a pale pink, the interior cover fitted with a mirror, some good restoration, 4.3cm.

The sentiment on this box is echoed on certain coinage of 1789 and probably relates to the serious illness of George III, his recovery and the aborted passing of the Regency Bill.