19th Century Aluminum Patch Box with mirror

Very old aluminum powder box with embossed shield on top and alligator scale pattern impressed into the sides and bottom. Originally, when first made available, aluminum was very expensive and only the finest pieces were hand made from it. Patch boxes came into use during the 18th century at the court of Louis XV, where the use of “beauty patches” was popular. A beauty patch was made of gummed taffeta and would be posed on the skin as a “beauty mark” that would emphasize a lady’s feature, usually the cheek. Matte, original finish that has a very desirable, unpolished patina. Mirror inside. 1.5 inches across, holds 1/4 oz. (7.5 ml) solid perfume of your choice.