TOPIC:

I bought about 2 decades ago the wooden book pictured below. It measures 19 x 25 x 5 cm and was advertised as “POW Art.” The interior is arranged for storing writing necessities, with two holes for small inkwells, a space for Cartes de Visite, stamps and pens.

I showed it at the time to Ray Leppan who thought it unlikely to have come from the Boer POW camps because of the type of decoration, materials used (mother of pearl, mahogany), high quality of work and lack of inscription. I tend to agree as most of the wooden books produced in the camps are small and feature carved rather than inlaid decorations. Also, with a bit of imagination the decorations on front and back could be interpreted as anchors, opening the possibility it is a seaman’s work. Nonetheless, I would like to learn whether any forum member owns a comparable item that is Boer War POW work or owns a Boer POW item that has been decorated using copper pins and/or Mother of Pearl. Any suggestions/theories are welcome.

EFV,
I think the expert on this subject is likely to be Dr. Vicky Heunis whose email address is fortunately online:
vicky@anglo-boer.co.za
Rob