This is a highly collectable and very rare tin depicting a picture of Queen Victoria on the lid. The tin measures approximately 15,5 cm in length, 9,5 cm in width and 2 cm in height. An embossed picture of Queen Victoria is displayed in the centre of the lid. To the left of the image of Queen Victoria is her insignia, and to the right, the following words are inscribed: South Africa 1900 and is inscribed (somewhat faded), as well as ‘I wish you a happy New Year' and signed 'Victoria' running along the bottom. The tin has really seen hardship in its life as can be seen from the pictures below, there is a fair bit of wear and tear to the paint, the tin has scratches and rust … but then this can be expected considering the fact that the tin is already 109 years old!
BACKGROUND ON THIS TIN
“In 1899, British soldiers and sailors were in South Africa, fighting the second Boer War, which lasted from October 1899 to May 1902. Queen Victoria was concerned about the morale of her army and navy and wanted to do something to lift their spirits. She had heard that officers had gained much pleasure in receiving gifts from home so she decided she would send chocolate, a luxury item to the majority of people in those days. She sent chocolate to all of her army and navy serving in South Africa (including Australian contingents) as a Christmas / New Year gift in 1899 / 1900. The empty tins had a more somber use for the men who died in battle: the tins, containing their few personal belongings, were sent home to the fallen soldier's or sailor's family. The tins were not big enough to hold much, depending on which size the tin was used. They may have included items such as medals, a talisman, coins, jewellery, photos, documents or letters and the soldier's identity disc, also known as a 'dog tag', which was first used in the Second Boer War“.
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