PATCH BOXES were small boxes used mostly to hold "patches" (what we call a "beauty spot" today) which women (as well as men, oftentimes) would apply to their face, to enhance their looks. In high fashion in the 18th century, patch boxes were a "must have" for the upper class ladies who would place patches (often in the form of stars different shapes) on different parts of their face to signal messages to lovers. I have read that women also used them to cover "pock" marks on their faces. Most patch boxes had small mirrors inside the lids, and were often made in interesting shapes, and almost always beautifully decorated. Pictured above is an 18th c. enameled patchbox in the shape of a tricorne hat.
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