#53 • Boer War Era Memorabilia Lot
Part of TRENCH ART & WWI Memorabilia (live auction by Bannerman Auctions)
High bid $300.00
Status: Sold
Category: Britain
Boer War Era Memorabilia Lot: Boer War Era Sweetheart Pin Cushion: The Northhamptonshire Regiment. These were available in kit form, allowing the serviceman constructing it to incorporate unit insignia and woven or embroidered sentiments of his own choice. When they turn up they are normally attributed to WWI, but there were a few of them in the Kimball Trench Art collection with Queen's crowns and Boer War battle honors lacking for units that would have had them, demonstrating that the practice was well under way before Queen Victoria assumed room temperature in 1901. This particular example measures roughly 23cm along each dimension, heart-shaped, and features paper insignia of the Northamptonshire Regiment in the center and two ribbons depicting Field Marshal Frederick Roberts. Multicolor beads mounted by pins form decorative patterns, although some of the beads are missing, as is most of the purple ribbon border. Natural cotton backing. Shows wear and age, but not abuse. The 2nd Battalion of the Northamptonshire Regiment served in South Africa throughout the Boer War (1899-1902). In 1899, it fought at Belmont, Graspan, Modder River, Magersfontein and the Relief of Kimberley. The regiment then took part in several anti-guerrilla actions in the Orange Free State and Transvaal. After the early reverses of the Boer War (1899-1902), Roberts took over command of the British forces in South Africa. From December 1899, he revitalised the British military effort, together with his Chief of Staff Major-General Horatio Herbert, Lord Kitchener. Needlework dated 1899, 1900, 1901: These were usually finished into a belt, but this one remains unfinished. 85cm x 11cm overall. Carved bone brooch and name plate made by Boer prisoners on St Helena 1901: Two pieces, the smaller one probably suspended from the pin. Larger piece measures 4.5cm x 1.5cm 2nd Boer War Siege of Kimberly 1899-1900 souvenir brooch "Boer Shell" : 4cm x 3cm overall POW Ragama Camp 1902 Carved Souvenir: 27cm x 3.2cm Carved Wooden Knife POW ST.HELENA 1901: 18cm x 3cm Also includes various Coins and Tokens from the Period. Estimate: $200 - $300
