Revolutionary War hand-forged iron camp Gridiron, as in museums & books

This is one of those items which you seldom come across; it is a Revolutionary War hand-forged iron gridiron. The overall measurement is 13” x 21” x 3 1/2”; they were a necessity in any Revolutionary camp. There is one on display at the Colonial Williamsburg Museum (see pictures).

In “Collector’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of the American Revolution”, by Neumann and Kravic, there are examples of these gridirons (see pictures). He states that they were used for broiling in camps, circa 1776 – 1780. Also, in "Soldiers of the American Revolution", by Don Troiani, there is a very similar gridiron shown (see pictures).

These gridirons were a popular camp item throughout the centuries, there is even the remains of one that was recovered during an archeology dig at Jamestown, VA (see pictures). This piece is in very nice condition for its age; it is solid and complete with no chipping or flaking. What is neat is that the famous artist Don Troiani thought enough about these artifacts, that he pictured one in his book. A fantastic piece for a display of a soldier’s personal effects or camp scene.