December 10-13, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/10/2024
War of 1812 campaign or mess chest with most of original contents, belonging to Major Christopher Van Deventer (1788-1738). Black leather box with decorative bass tack decoration, iron braced edges, handles on the sides, and original latch, lock, and key. 14" H x 20 1/2" W x 11 5/8" D. The interior of box remains mostly intact with original wall paper and wool linings, removable tray, and dividers. Included in the chest is 1 pewter creamer with decorative beaded edge; 1 pewter coffee pot with removable handle and decorative beaded rim on bun feet; 1 small hinged tin box with compartments; 1 small hinged tin box with interior lid; 1 tin spice container with four glass containers; 1 tin round tea pot with lid; 1 tall narrow container with screw cap; 1 tall narrow hinged container; 2 tin platters; 3 tin plates; 2 large hinged containers; 1 large square container with rounded edges, handles, and lid; 1 large oval container with handles and removable lid. Other small objects include 1 wire rack; 1 knife; and 1 small black pressed cardboard container. Largest Item: Platter 11 1/8" H x 7 7/8" W. Smallest Item: Black pressed cardboard container 5" H x 1 5/8" W x 1 1/4" D.
Deventer was born in 1788 in New York. He attended Williams College and was the 46th graduate of West Point. He served in the U.S. Army from 1809-1816. During the War of 1812, Van Deventer served at Fort Columbus and the New York Harbor. He was captured during the Battle of Stony Creek and sent to Quebec as a prisoner of war. While there he attemped to escape, but was recaptured. Eventually, Van Deventer was released and became the Aide de camp of Brigadier General Joseph G. Swift. He resigned from the Military in 1816. In 1817, he was appointed chief clerk of the United States War Department under John C. Calhoun, serving until 1827. Major Van Deventer's papers are housed in the William L Clements Library at the University of Michigan. PROVENANCE: Major Van Deventer and by descent in the family until 2011, whence acquired. CONDITION: Exterior of the case retains most of its original fittings with the exception of one missing handle. Hinges are broken. The leather survives mostly intact in a fragile, weathered, dried state. There is some tearing and missing leather.