This wooden Boer POW box is rather interesting for its artwork.
Measuring 26x14,5 x 7 cm, the box has a cover with the OVS crest and a text that reads:
“Gemacht von einem Buren Kriegsgefangenn (
Sic), St Helena 1901” (made by a Boer POW, St. Helena 1901)
The circular design is similar to the Simonstown slates shown by Kaapse Rebel and Neville earlier in this thread. The Dutch/Afrikaans text around the central emblem reads “Recht, Vryheid, Volharding” (Justice, Liberty, Perseverance) which differs from the official OVS motto “Vryheid, Immigratie, Geduld en Moed” (Liberty, Immigration, Patience and Courage).
The German text in Gothic font indicates this was made either by a German POW or by a Boer for a fellow prisoner with German roots. It is also possible, although less likely, that it was produced to be sold in pro-Boer countries to satisfy demand for Boer POW items. (It is known that Boer POW items found their way to buyers in far-away places, notably in the USA)
Because of the spelling error (the correct word would have been “Kriegsgefangenen”) and because of the neatness of the artwork, it appears that this box came from a relatively well-equipped atelier that produced these items on a semi-industrial scale in the Broad Bottom- or Deadwood camp. That however wouldn’t explain the use of the decidedly Germanic font. Perhaps a German POW or interned Burger of German origin was employed at the atelier?