George Washington's Camp Chest, 1783
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Many high-ranking officers of the American Revolution carried camp chests, called canteens, for dining while encamped with their armies. This canteen belonged to General George Washington. It enabled him to take meals on the battlefield in a manner befitting his rank as commander-in-chief -- with tea, liquor, freshly ground nutmeg and other spices, candles, and relatively fine tableware.
Many high-ranking officers of the American Revolution carried camp chests, called canteens, for dining while encamped with their armies. This canteen belonged to General George Washington. It enabled him to take meals on the battlefield in a manner befitting his rank as commander-in-chief -- with tea, liquor, freshly ground nutmeg and other spices, candles, and relatively fine tableware.
Artifact
Trunk (Container)
Subject Date
1783
Creators
Place of Creation
United Kingdom, England, London
Creator Notes
Attributed to William Chapple of London, England.
Keywords
On Exhibit
at Henry Ford Museum in With Liberty & Justice for All
Object ID
29.483.4
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Wood (Plant Material)
Leather
Wool (Textile)
Wrought iron (Iron alloy)
Iron (Metal)
Brass (Alloy)
Walnut (Wood)
Tin (Metal)
Glass (Material)
Flint glass
Paper (Fiber product)
Technique
Handmade
Color
Black (Color)
Green
Dimensions
Height: 14 in
Width: 13 in
Length: 27.125 in
Inscriptions
Engraved on oval brass plate on chest lid: No. 3 / General / George / Washington / 1783
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