RARE - Revolutionary War soldier’s personal trivet, recovered at Ft. Ticonderoga, NY

This is a very rare and unusual item being offered, it is a small hand-forged iron trivet. It is very crudely made and measures 5 ½” x 5 ½” x 6 ¼” and is 3” high. It is not a camp trivet, but one that was designed for personal use. It was recovered from the ruins of Fort Ticonderoga, NY (see pictures).

On May 10, 1775, Benedict Arnold joined Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys of Vermont in a dawn attack on the fort, surprising and capturing the sleeping British garrison. Although it was a small-scale conflict, the Battle of Fort Ticonderoga was the first American victory of the Revolutionary War and would give the Continental Army much-needed artillery to be used in future battles.

Restoration of the fort was first undertaken by the Pell family in 1909. Many of the townspeople helped with the project and were allowed to keep some of the relics they found.  With all the trivets I currently offer, or sold in the psst, have always been the larger sizes. A personal size such as this is very unique and rare.

Revolutionary War artifacts have always been difficult to find. With the upcoming of the 250th anniversary of the nation's founding next year, there will be a revitalized interest. Just about all Revolutionary War relics and artifacts will be in demand, which will only add to their scarcity and price. I am already seeing a substantial increase in purchases.

Throughout history, war has been a constant presence, shaping civilizations and societies. From the earliest days of humanity, conflict has persisted in various forms, and based on historical patterns, it is likely to continue in some manner. This ongoing reality has given rise to a deep fascination among historians and collectors who seek to understand the past through the tangible remnants left behind, i.e. uniforms, guns, swords, artillery.

While significant attention is given to weapons and military gear, the everyday items used by soldiers frequently go unnoticed. Simple objects like forks, spoons, cups, dishes, pots, and knives played an essential role in a soldier’s daily life. These items were as precious to the individual as their weapon, serving practical needs and providing comfort amidst the hardships of war. I myself have always appreciated their importance in showing a complete representation of a collection.   Bob