Three South Staffordshire enamel boxes, c.1780-1800, one an oval snuff box and printed with a

Three South Staffordshire enamel boxes, c.1780-1800, one an oval snuff box and printed with a portrait of Admiral Keppel, another a patch box printed and hand-coloured with a portrait titled 'The Duke of Clarence', the last an oval patch box inscribed 'Propitious may the Royal Union prove, Bless'd with peace, happiness and love', on a blue base, some damages, 7.5cm max. (3)

Augustus Keppel, 1st Viscount Keppel, served during the Seven Years War, and later as First Lord of the Admiralty during the War of American Independence. Charges of misconduct were brought against him by Vice Admiral Sir Hugh Palliser following the battle of Ushant, but following a court martial, Keppel was honourably acquitted. The portrait on this box is after a medal by T Lyng, struck in 1779 to commemorate his acquittal. The Duke of Clarence later became William IV. In 1791, Frederick the Duke of York and Albany married Frederica, Royal Princess of Prussia. Despite the fervent good wish expressed on this box, the marriage was not a happy one and ended within a few years.