*British, Anglo-Boer War-1900, Queen Victoria South Africa Campaign Chocolate Soldiers' Gift Tin, Rowntree Type*
An original Queen Victoria South Africa 1900 campaign chocolate tin issued during the Second Boer War as a royal gift to British troops serving overseas.
The rectangular tin retains its distinctive red and blue printed lid featuring the crowned VRI cypher, central portrait medallion of Queen Victoria, and the inscription “South Africa 1900.” The lid also bears the facsimile handwriting message: “I wish you a happy New Year” and the Queen’s signature beneath. Based on the visual characteristics — notably the upward-sloping handwriting signature, spacing around the portrait medallion, and dark blue border — this example corresponds to the Rowntree & Co. type of tin.
This example shows strong period character with honest service wear and age-related oxidation to the exterior, while retaining much of the original printed finish. The interior remains plain steel with embossed reverse portrait detail from the lid striking.
Approx. Measurements – Length: approx. 16 cm. Width: approx. 8 cm. Depth: approx. 2.5 cm.
Historical Note: At the height of the South African campaign (1899–1902), Queen Victoria commissioned a personal New Year gift for every British soldier and officer serving in the conflict. The idea was that each recipient would receive a decorated tin containing approximately half a pound (227g) of chocolate, bearing the royal inscription “South Africa 1900” and her handwritten seasonal message.
Production involved three major British chocolate makers — Cadbury, Fry, and Rowntree — all Quaker-owned firms. As Quakers, the companies declined to profit from the war and donated the chocolate, while Queen Victoria personally financed the production of the tins themselves. In total, approximately 123,000 tins were produced and shipped to South Africa as morale gifts to troops.
Although broadly similar in appearance, tins supplied through the three manufacturers show subtle but recognisable differences. Collectors distinguish the Rowntree type by several consistent features:
- The facsimile handwriting slopes upward from left to right.
- A small gap is visible between the Queen’s bust and surrounding beaded medallion.
- A deeper, darker Prussian-blue border tone.
Rowntree tins are believed to have been manufactured by Barringer, Wallis and Manners Ltd of Mansfield, while other contracts used different suppliers.
Despite the clear good intentions behind Queen Victoria’s gift, the realities of service in South Africa meant the chocolate did not always arrive as intended. Although produced as a solid vanilla chocolate and carefully wrapped in silver foil, greaseproof paper, and shredded paper for insulation, many bars softened or melted in the intense heat. Soldiers often chose to dissolve the bar in hot water as a drink rather than eat it solid. Reactions among the troops were mixed — some kept the tins as treasured souvenirs and even sent them home, while others traded the chocolate for more practical comforts such as tobacco. Nevertheless, a surprising number survived, often reused for tobacco, personal effects, or field keepsakes.
*Condition* Original period tin showing clear service wear and age. Exterior displays widespread oxidation, paint loss and rubbing consistent with age and use. Printed design remains legible and visually attractive with strong colour retention to the red field and blue border. Lid fits correctly and closes securely. Interior shows expected age darkening and light rust spotting. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
This is a classic Boer War commemorative issue and an iconic example of Queen Victoria’s direct involvement in troop welfare. Rowntree variants are collectible as identifiable production types and are sought after when original surfaces survive with clear lettering and cypher detail, as here.
