BOER WAR - PRISONER OF WAR ART

[Mervyn Mitton]

During the Boer War (1899-1902) the British had a problem with where to keep prisoners of war. With our large Empire there were plenty of places to send prisoners and eventually St.Helena , Bermuda, Ceylon and India had large camps established.

The prisoners were allowed craft work to entertain themselves and this prisoner-of-war art had some beautiful and creative pieces made. They were allowed small knives and used locally available materials. Items ranged from chairs, jewellery, love tokens for wives or, sweethearts and virtually every other small object that you can think of. Most prisoners had coins in their pockets when captured and the silver ones were very popular. Smaller coins would be melted down to act as solder and if a fastener was required they would make the clasps from silver and use a large safety pin. The pins are often rusted and as in this example have to be replaced.

The coins used for this brooch are two 6d pieces - 1893 and 1895 - and the 2/6d is dated 1895. All have Paul Kruger's head - as President of the 2nd Boer Republic.

All of this POW art is now valuable and prices have gone up substantially in recent years - many of the main collectors are in the US.

[Mervyn Mitton]

Back view - you will note that in addition to the pin, there is also a suspension loop at the top for a necklace.