Rare - Revolutionary War Personal Salt Carrier, dated “1771”(SOLD)

This is a very rare piece being offered, it is a Revolutionary War personal salt carrier. It stands 3 ¼” high x 3 ½” wide x 1 ¾” deep. It is made of wood and bone with a swivel opening on the top and is dated “1771”.

During the Revolutionary War Revolutionary War, North Carolina and other southern colonies had relied largely on salt imported from Great Britain to preserve their meats, flavor their foods, and feed their livestock. It was a vital commodity. Leading up to and the eventual outbreak of hostilities, Great Britain had severed all trade with the fledgling American government, causing fear of a salt shortage.        

To ensure availability, the Provincial Congress initially set price caps on salt, rationed the existing supply, and offered bounties to encourage its manufacture. Not until April 1776, when the colonial government authorized four men to spend up to 2,000 pounds of public funds to establish a salt works, did work begin. Robert Williams and Richard Blackledge, both began salt works near Beaufort County that spring.

Williams’ operation at Gallant’s Point, which used solar evaporation, soon failed. But Blackledge’s plant on Core Creek succeeded, using a furnace to boil saltwater in iron pans until the water evaporated and only the salt remained. Although Blackledge died in 1777, his salt works continued to operate throughout the Revolutionary War.

Fears of a salt shortage had soldiers hoarding their own personal supply. A container of this quality would not be carried by the ordinary foot soldier, but rather a well to do officer. This is a museum-quality piece and in excellent condition, only showing typical wear as expected.