Victorian Silver & Enamel Boer War Interest Vesta Case "Gentleman in Khaki"

A good Victorian silver and enamel Vesta Case of rounded rectangular form with hinged flip top lid and attached suspension ring, the front with an enameled panel depicting ""A Gentleman in Khaki"", a wounded soldier from the Boer War carrying his rifle. Also stamped ""Copyright"" to the case. A 'Gentleman in Khaki' comes from a line in the Rudyard Kipling poem 'The Absent Minded Beggar' and is after the painting by Richard Caton Woodville.

The image was widely used during the Boer War and was often combined with the first verse and chorus of Rudyard Kipling's poem 'The Absent Minded Beggar'. The poem and painting were both created to honour the common British soldier. The poem, set to the music of Sir Arthur Sullivan, was used as a rousing patriotic song to encourage public support for, and contribution to, the war effort.

By Saunders & Shepherd, Birmingham, 1899

Sold - £575.00