Captain Willets Brass Bound Box

Captain Willets Brass Bound Box

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Reference

82397

A Georgian, mahogany brass bound Campaign Box.

The box has rounded ends, constructed from 2 pieces of wood and strengthened by 4 thin gilt brass straps to each end. The top also has an inset brass strap to either end. The exact use of the box is unclear but it is likely that it was a tea caddy with removable metal cannisters . The interior is plain with no shadow marks to suggest it had dividers or removable trays.

The plate to the top is engraved Capt. Willet, 34th. William Saltern Willett was promoted to Captain in the 34th Regiment on the 2nd of December 1806. Between 1813 and 1815 he switched to the 23rd Regiment and on the 10th June 1815 went on to half pay where he remained until 1821. He married Christina Adelaide Nantes in 1819 with a son born in 1820 and a daughter in 1822. We cannot find Willett in the Army lists after 1821 and, considering his wife remarried in 1825, it is likely he died around this point. The box is well-made, with the rounded ends showing the cabinet maker's skill and the steel screws filed flush to the surface. Circa 1810.

Dimensions:

Height 10.5 cm / 4 "
Width 28 cm / 11 "
Depth 11 cm / 4 "
Period

Georgian

Year

Circa 1810

Medium

Brass Bound Mahogany

Country

England

Signed

Capt. Willet 34th

Style

Campaign Box

EXHIBITIONS
#7 - It's The Magic Number
Condition

Good

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