A little chest ... and an amazing contents

[Shakethetrees]

The implements are bone. Ivory has a creamy, consistent color not filled by spotting left from marrow channels. The grain should be gently curved parallels that intersect, giving a somewhat "checkered" curving that has no variation in texture. The crudeness of the carving is also an indication of bone, as it as a raw material was not nearly as valuable as real ivory.

They remind me of 1812 POW work made to make a little money during their internment.

[fernando]

Originally Posted by Shakethetrees

The implements are bone. Ivory has a creamy, consistent color not filled by spotting left from marrow channels. The grain should be gently curved parallels that intersect, giving a somewhat "checkered" curving that has no variation in texture. The crudeness of the carving is also an indication of bone, as it as a raw material was not nearly as valuable as real ivory.

They remind me of 1812 POW work made to make a little money during their internment.

I am also inclined to assume the little objects are made of bone. Not being practical sewing implements, then they would be something else, possibly miniatures. Not necessarily made by POW; they came with the chest, provenance of a country house in Northern Portugal.

[Shakethetrees]

Originally Posted by fernando

Not necessarily made by POW; they came with the chest, provenance of a country house in Northern Portugal.

Remember that Portugal was within the operational area of the Peninsular Wars, early 19th century.

I don't know if there were detention camps for POW's there, but, of so, this could be the connection.

[fernando]

Originally Posted by Shakethetrees

Remember that Portugal was within the operational area of the Peninsular Wars, early 19th century.

I don't know if there were detention camps for POW's there, but, of so, this could be the connection.

Indeed the number of prisioners during this period in the area was immense, mostly on the move from Spain to Britain, where they were detained in castles, towns and hulks in both countries; not only caused by the Peninsular war but also provenant from many nations, basicaly due to period Napoleonic wars. I don't recall having read about specific local prisioner camps, but they might have well existed.

[M ELEY]

An awesome chest, Fernando! I've been looking at similar sea chests to add to my collection, but funding is scarce as yet! There is a small chance this could be sailor's chest, as I've seen similar. Any chance the bone items are whale bone? Scrimshaw bone objects, just as ivory, were a common hobby amongst sailors-
Mark