Revolutionary War Brass Heart off of a Cartridge Box, recovered at Fort Haldimand (SOLD)

This is another rare piece being offered, it is a solid brass heart which came off of a Revolutionary War cartridge box. It measures 1 ¾” x 1 ½” and the reverse has the remnants of the three attachment studs – this would have been attached to the outer leather flap. It was recovered many years ago at Fort Haldimand on the Lawrence River.

From the 1770s through the War of 1812, Fort Haldimand and Carleton Island served as a vital British hub, encompassing a military fort, naval yard, and a sanctuary for Loyalists fleeing the Mohawk Valley. Its population sometimes swelled to 1,000 individuals, including British and Hessian soldiers, Indigenous peoples, Loyalist regiments, and civilians.

During the 18^th century, the heart symbol represented love for family and country. The heart can symbolize the love and devotion that service members have for their families and their nation, driving their dedication and sacrifice. The heart can also represent the emotional fortitude and resilience required to endure the hardships of military life and combat. It signified  the strong bonds of camaraderie and support forged through shared experiences and challenges.

The heart was a popular motif and was worn on cartridge boxes in many different ways (see pictures). This is a very solid piece with the original untouched patina. This is one of those rare pieces that seldom become available. It comes in the glass top display case pictured.