I am beyond thrilled!!! I have just been afforded one of those rare opportunities to discover a valuable piece of South African history and the discovery literally walked into my shop. I hardly buy antiques and collectibles directly from the public, mostly due to the fact the majority of people way overestimate the value of their goods (thanks reality TV), but I will always take a look at what is on offer and negotiate a price if possible.
My clients brought in two boxes of various collectible goods, many of which I had sold before, so it was pretty easy to determine a price. Among the items were an old military belt/bandolier and a beautiful hand carved box. They are items I like to sell, but they did not look exceptional. Yesterday I eventually got around to listing those two items. I listed the belt at a starting price of R250 ($19). Before I list any item, I check all names or information on the item. The words "Diyatalawa Kamp Ceylon" were engraved on the front of the box, and I looked them up. Honestly, I had thought they were referring to tea. It was literally minutes before I realised I had an amazing find!
Diyatalawa Camp was a Boer Prisoner of War Camp during the Second Anglo-Boer, or Boer War in South Africa. The dates on the box corresponded with the dates of the war, as well as the dates the Prisoner of War camp was in operation. I also found a prisoner with a name that corresponded with the initials and surname on the box. I learnt conditions were good in the camp and the prisoners were well fed and even paid for their labour. I presume the prisoner must have spent his free time carving the box for his wife back at home. It is inscribed in Afrikaans:
Geschenk aan Mev AC Gouws van haar Echtgennoot HS Gouws 9 Sept 1900 - 25 Juli 1902
Translation: Given to Mrs AC Gouws by her partner/husband HS Gouws
The war ended on 31 May 1902 with the British emerging as the victors after a long and deadly struggle. If the prisoners of war swore allegiance to the British Empire, they were allowed to return to South Africa, either at their own expense, or had to wait a little while for their own consul to bring them home. The Diyatalawa Camp was used once the St Helena camp (another Prisoner of War Camp) was full, and only housed 5089 prisoners of war.
After I realised what I had, I called my museum curator friend and he was quite green with envy! A few years ago he had found a small photo frame made in the St Helena Prisoner Of War Camp, and sold it for R2700 ($203). I listed the box yesterday evening for R2500 ($189) and immediately received an offer for R2000 ($151) for it, as well as another query as to what my "Buy It Now" price would be. I would definitely like to keep this box on auction, and allow the market to determine the price. I usually only list my items for one week, but I have listed the box for three weeks.
Positively identifying the box to the Boer War period, enabled me to state with certainty the belt/bandolier was of turn of the century Boer origin, and I adjusted the listing price to R450. ($34) Soon after I received my first bid on it. My curator friend said he had a strange feeling about the belt, as it looked a little small. He wondered if it could not possibly also have been made as a souvenir for a son? Unfortunately this is only speculation. I provided the measurements in the listing, so I am sure a serious collector will know what they are buying.
Here are the direct links to the two auctions, in case you are interested in following their progress.
http://www.bidorbuy.co.za/item/300921909/Great_Find_Anglo_Boer_War_Belt_Bandolier_Waist_Circumference_88cm_Pouch_Size_7_5cm_7cm.html
http://www.bidorbuy.co.za/item/300950079/Unbelievable_Second_Anglo_Boer_War_Prisoner_Of_War_Handmade_Box_From_Diyatalawa_Camp_Ceylon.html
