Rowntree Chocolate Gift Tin & Contents for troops serving in South Africa 1900

A scarce original Boer War period gift tin sent to troops serving for Queen and Country. Gilded red and blue painted tin, bearing embossed portrait medallion of the Queen; to her left the 'Royal Monogram' and to her right 'South Africa 1900' below a handwritten facsimile message 'I wish you a happy New Year'. Upon opening a full array of chocolate bars alternatively stamped 'ROWNTREE' and 'YORK' within waxed paper lining. Good condition, hinges in working order, no major dents, no splits to the corners, paintwork bearing service wear, three choc bars with cracks, minor flakes. Not suitable for consumption !
Size 159 x 86mm.

The Queen commissioned the country's three principal chocolate manufacturers, J S Fry & Sons, Cadbury Brothers Limited and Rowntree and Company Limited, to undertake the order for what amounted, by the end of 1900, to 123,000 tins. As Quakers, all three manufacturers refused to accept payment for the order and, not wishing to profit from the War, they offered to donate the chocolate instead.

Code: 57691