December 10-13, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/10/2024
An early 19th century British Army mess tin of the type adopted by some British regiments by 1812 and which had almost universal army usage by the 1820s and used through the mid-19th century, with only small changes in construction and fitting. Made of tinned sheet iron, the kit consisted of three D-shaped components. The D-shaped body served as a camp kettle for the soldier and has a bale or handle of brass wire, attached to the body by pewter ears riveted to each side. The lid served as a plate or trencher, while a stewing pan with folding handle made of heavy iron wire was stored nested between the two. Overall dimensions of set when nested together (not including bale/ears) 6 3/8 x 4 1/2 x4 3/8 inches (LxHxW). PROVENANCE: ex. collection of the late William Carman, former Deputy Director of the National Army Museum (London) and noted author-historian; acquired in 2008. CONDITION: Good to very good, with period use-wear to all components, some of the tin-plate worn away and patches of light surface oxidation; the brass bale separated at the right ear.