Revolutionary War hand-forged iron camp Gridiron, as in books and museums

This is one of those items you seldom come across; it is a Revolutionary War hand-forged iron gridiron. The grill section measures 7” x 7 ½” and the handle extends 5 ½” and was a necessity in any Revolutionary camp. In the Revolutionary War Museum in Yorktown, VA, they have one displayed in a camp scene (see pictures).

In “Collector’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of the American Revolution”, by Neumann and Kravic, there are examples of these gridirons (see pictures). He states that they were used for broiling in camps, circa 1776 – 1780. Also, in "Soldiers of the American Revolution", by Don Troiani, there is a very similar gridiron shown (see pictures). Another is in the Hampton Virginia State Museum there is one (see pictures).

This piece is in nice condition for its age, it is solid and complete with no chipping, only very slight surface rust. What is neat is that the famous artist Don Troiani thought enough about these artifacts, that he pictured one in his book. A fantastic piece for a display of a soldier’s personal effects or camp scene.