The Peter Benchley Collection: Jaws, A Life of Writing, A Legacy of Ocean Conservation.

Queen Victoria South Africa 1900 Gift Tin and Medical Collectibles

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Start price: $100

Estimated price: $200 - $300

Buyer's Premium: 25%

Description

A Queen Victoria South Africa 1900 commemorative gift tin, originally commissioned as a New Year’s gift for British troops serving in the Second Boer War. The lithographed tinplate lid features an embossed profile portrait of the Queen in a circular medallion, flanked by the Royal Cypher VRI and a crown, and the inscription South Africa 1900. A facsimile of the Queen’s handwriting reads I wish you a happy New Year, Victoria RI. The lot includes a WWII-era anti-dimming cloth tin printed with instructions for use on eyepieces, a brass two-part suppository mold with a knurled thumb screw, and several mid-20th-century pharmaceutical ephemera items. The ephemera consists of a paper wrapper for Profex A Tube Prophylactic manufactured by McKesson & Robbins, a Vulkan Sanex prophylactic packet with German text, and a Cello’s Latex prophylactic sleeve manufactured by The Killian Mfg. Co. Box: 3 1/4" x 6 1/4". Mold: 3 3/8" x 1".

From the personal collection of Peter Benchley (American, 1940–2006), acclaimed author of Jaws, accomplished diver, and prominent advocate for ocean and shark conservation.

Proceeds from the Peter Benchley Collection will benefit five ocean conservation organizations: Peter Benchley Ocean Awards, WildAid, Beneath the Waves, Blue Frontier and Environmental Defense Fund.


Condition report:

The Queen Victoria tin shows significant lithography loss, scratches, and surface oxidation, particularly along the edges and on the underside. The anti-dimming tin has a visible dent on the upper right corner and surface oxidation. The brass pharmaceutical mold displays a heavy dark patina and minor surface dings throughout. The paper ephemera exhibits age-toning, creasing, and minor tears consistent with age.