[CIVIL WAR] FIELD MEDICINE CASE

A typical field medicine case, probably used during the American Civil War. Such cases were designed to carry smaller bottles of medicine into the field. This case is particularly attractive, with compartments inlaid with satin wood, and an elobarate brass handle inset at the top, with a drawer, as well as a “hidden” compartment at the back; the compartments are lined with felt (in this case, much later repalcement felt; the hinges as well are much later). The chest lock with a key, which is present; inside one comparment is a single medicine bottle, which fits well, but which is lacking its stopper.~~We have no detailed provenance, but know that the case was in a house in Gloucester Virginia, which also had in it a letter from in the handwriting of General Lee, as well as a Confederate prisoner’s parole from Appomaattox, leading one to suppose that the chest is Confederate as well. This we cannot prove. (Inventory #: 298521)