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| Box 1: Enamel hawk or falcon bonbonnière, c. 1765. Sold at Bonham's. Originally from the Mort & Moira Lesser collection. (6.1cm long) |
An either Birmingham or South Staffordshire made bonbonnière (sweet box) in the shape of a bird of prey from about 1760 to 1770, with intricately painted plumage, especially around the beak. The lid (below) is painted with a mother-hen protecting her chicks from a falcon or hawk flying overhead. The mount is of gilt metal.
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| Lid of above box. |
Box 2
A similar box, but with redder and less detailed plumage, depicts two birds of prey in an elegant garden on the lid (below). The differences found in the style and quality of the painting may suggest that the copper boxes, which formed the shape, were made in one workshop and then sold to others who would enamel and paint them.
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| Enamel hawk or falcon bonbonnière, c. 1780. Privately sold. (6.1cm long) |
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| Lid design of the box above. |
Box 3
A hawk box with a shepherd watching his flock on the base.
https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/19520/lot/121/
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| Enamel bird of prey bonbonnière, c. 1765. Privately sold. |
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| Lid design of the box above. |
https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/19520/lot/121/