Iserlohn brass tobacco tin commemorating the Battle of Freiberg 1762 by Johann Heinrich Becker
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1762
This oblong tobacco tin is a fine example of the highly decorative brass boxes produced in Iserlohn, Germany. Measuring 3 by 16.3 by 4.8 centimeters, the box is constructed from brass with an embossed hinged lid and base.
The lid features detailed vedutas set within ornate cartouches, flanked by figures of gods. The decoration commemorates the victory of the Prussians over the Imperial Army at the Battle of Freiberg on October 29, 1762, as indicated by the inscription on the lid: "Complette Victorie der Pruyssen over de Reichsarme befochten by Freiberg den 29t October 1762". The reverse of the box is inscribed with a German poem praising a monarch, which translates to a wish for the immortality of the ruler's life and fame.
The piece is signed by the maker, Johann Heinrich Becker. These tins were popular collectibles in the 18th century, serving both as functional storage for tobacco and as commemorative objects celebrating political or military events of the era. The item exhibits signs of wear commensurate with its age.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- brass
- Dimensions
- 3 x 16.3 x 4.8 cm
Design
- Lid
- embossed vedutas in cartouches with flanking gods
- Inscriptions
- Complette Victorie der Pruyssen over de Reichsarme befochten by Freiberg den 29t October 1762 and Monarch vor dem die Feinde beben, wenn treue Völcker sich befreun, Ach möchte doch dein theures Leben, sowie dein Ruhm unsterblich sein
Identification
- Source note
- Described from a single auction-house listing published on Invaluable (reproduced with Invaluable's permission). Details apply to that one example; other examples of the type may differ, and the listing is supplementary evidence, not authentication.
- Maker named in listing
- Johann Heinrich Becker
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.