George Washington's Camp Chest, 1783

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Artifact Overview

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 Details

Artifact

Trunk (Container)

Subject Date

1783

Creator Notes

Attributed to William Chapple of London, England.

Location

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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