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

A good Victorian silver Vesta Case of shaped rectangular form with hinged flip-top lid and attached suspension ring, the front with a die-stamped image depicting "A Gentleman in Khaki", a wounded soldier from the Boer War carrying his rifle, after the painting by Richard Caton Woodville (his signature beneath). The reverse engraved with contemporary initials.

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 Henry Matthews, Birmingham, 1899.

Sold - £265.00