George Washington's Camp Chest

George Washington's Camp Chest

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Description
Armies on campaign must carry with them much besides their weapons. At the time of the American Revolutionary War (1776-1781), various boxes and chests transported soldier's individual effects, wardrobes, official military payrolls, and other necessities. Camp chests or canteens as they were called in the 18th century, carried utensils and cooking apparatus to be used by officers and their staff when in the field during campaigns.
George Washington's well-appointed personal camp chest, or "mess kit," enabled him to dine in a manner reflecting his position as commander of the Continental Army. Two sets of leather covered canteens, or camp chests, were bought by General Washington, on May 3, 1776. Another set of "canteens" captured on a British prize ship were sent for Washington's use in October 1778. By 1782, General Washington's camp equipage which included canteens, tents, tables, traveling beds, and various other field equipment, was so extensive that he had to request that two horses, "natural pacers," be selected by the Quartermaster General, Timothy Pickering, just to carry the General's camp chests.
We do not know which of the several camp chests belonging to Washington is in our collections; however, this example is complete with all original utensils. It contains tin plates and platters, tin pots with detachable wooden handles, glass containers for condiments such as salt, pepper, and sugar, as well as knives and forks with dyed black ivory handles. The chest also contains a tinder box, candle stand, and folding gridiron.
Object Name
mess kit
camp chest
Other Terms
mess kit; camp chest; Equipment, Individual
Date made
1775-1776
user
Washington, George
used
United States
Physical Description
green (overall color)
cloth (overall material)
leather (overall material)
brass (overall material)
iron (overall material)
wood (overall material)
tin (plates and platters material)
glass (containers material)
Measurements
overall: 10 3/4 in x 21 1/4 in x 14 in; 27.305 cm x 53.975 cm x 35.56 cm
ID Number
AF.016111
accession number
13152
catalog number
016111
accession number
013152
related event
American Revolution
Revolution and the New Nation
See more items in
Political and Military History: Armed Forces History, Military
Food
Military
Exhibition
Price of Freedom
Exhibition Location
National Museum of American History
Data Source
National Museum of American History
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Comments

Is there any proof/documentation to prove that this set of Washington's was not in use during the French & Indian war?

Keith H. Burgess

Tue, 2017-09-19 09:27

i think this chest is awsome!i love these objects about george washington. i want to learn about him in 6th grade.

sammy

Thu, 2013-07-18 14:47

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