Rare - Revolutionary War British Military Document Box with Crown (SOLD)

This is a great piece being offered, it is a Revolutionary War British document box. The wooden box with thin leather covering measures 7 ½” x 5” x 4” with a domed lid and swivel brass handle. The box is trimmed with period brass domed tacks. Embossed on the lid between the brass handle is the British Crown.

During the American Revolution, the British crown was a symbol of authority and inequality in the political and social hierarchy. British soldiers wore the crown on their equipment, including their cartridge boxes, buttons, personal belongings, hat plates, belt plates, etc.(see pictures). The crown was also used in everyday colonial life on drinking mugs, tavern signs, and military items.

The box is in very nice condition and no doubt belonged to a British officer at one time. In “Collector’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of the American Revolution”, by Neumann and Kravic, there are examples of this box, one also has the crown (see pictures). The size of the box would indicate that it would be used for personal effects rather then military documents. Any item with British markings is always very desirable. This piece would make a great addition to any period display.