Description

Spices during the period were a valuable item, generally purchased from bulk stores as opposed to the individual bottles we find today. As a result keeping them in safe storage was essential in the home, and especially in the field. Larger “wagon” and shipboard sets were available, utilized in the home as well as in travel. However the size and space necessary to carry them was not always available nor needed, depending on the number of persons cooking for and/or the resources of the individual to buy in larger quantities. These smaller spice tray sets get little attention but were actually quite prevalent during the period in all venues. I have seen at least two photos of their use in the field and observed one in a documented field mess chest. In this case the tray was utilized as a vertical pull drawer in a space specifically sized to it. (in addition we have inventoried a mess chess which had a similar wood vertical pull drawer that had four tins sandwiched between two flat pieces of wood) They are perfect for the smaller home front, field kitchen or officer’s mess. Most are found japanned and often stenciled, yet the stenciling is usually faded or covered with patina. The lid of one of the six matching tins in this set retains it’s visible stencil naming the enclosed spice. The other for have “frosted” somewhat and are currently unreadable. (with age, moisture, and heat, dust accumulates and adheres to the lacquer, sometimes even penetrating it – cleaning can be attempted but often results in losing the japanning as well) The tins are all typical period construction with soldered flat side seam and pounded over flat base. The lids are drawn/stamped out as is most commonly seen. About 85-90% japanning still present – quite good condition compared to most we have seen. Very nice historic character. Nice secure lids – Some of the tins actually still have spice residue in them smell like their original contents when opened. Glad to have had a few of these over the years, actually more rare than the boxes.