TOPIC:

Not something you see very often!

From Lockdales, 16-17 May 15.

Boer War decorated ostrich egg - an interesting memento dated 1899-1900 1901-1902 'Forget Me Not though far away'. With a ship and campsite hand illustrated design.


Picture courtesy of Lockdales

Estimate £85.

David

Thank you for showing this curiosity. Both decorated and plain ostrich eggs are common items in South African curio and souvenir shops, but I did not know that they were sold this way as long ago as the Boer War.

Regards
Brett

Brett,

I wonder if you can carbon date an egg to see if it is contemporary!?

Good question David!

These are rare items, I have one that qualifies as "trench art":

Pte C Birkley South Wales Borderers, the place "Moderfontein" [sic] relates to the SWB's action at Modderfontein January 1901 when their outpost was overrun by commandos led by JC Smuts amongst others. I like to think Birkley was there - probably as part of the late arriving relieving force. Unfortunately the egg has been cracked and repaired, but has a swipe of modern emulsion to add authenticity to the piece.

I doubt it, David. However, there have been many advances in radiometric dating since my research career ended in the 1980's, so the question would be worth pursuing.
Regards
Brett