[English] Baden-Powell and Mafeking.

Baden-Powell and Mafeking.

The casket to be presented to General Baden-Powell by subscribers at the Cape, in commemoration of the gallant defence of Mafeking, has been on view at the rooms of the Fine Art Society, in New Bond street, prior to transmission to South Africa. It has cost about a hundred guineas, and is of good size and proportions. In form and ornamentation it is unique, and, to some extent, antique, being constructed on the lines of the old Spanish chest. It is composed of silver and bronze, enriched with translucent enamel and some rubies, and is surmounted by a silver statuette of the heroic General in his fighting costume, with the now familiar sun-hat. In one of the panels is pictured the famous gun 'Wolf.' In others are inscribed 'Mafeking' and 'Matabeleland,' on laurel sprays against azure, these panels being symbolical of the gallant officer's work in the Matabele region as well as in the besieged town. Another contains, within a laurel wreath, an open book, inscribed on one page with 'Mafeking,' and on the other with 'Baden-Powell.' Front inscriptions on either side of the Cape arms, with the motto, Spes Bona, record that the casket has been subscribed for by the Mayor and Councillors and citizens of Capetown and district, in commemoration of the splendid services for South Africa and the Empire in the glorious defence of Mafeking. The memorial has been executed by Mr. Nelson Dawson, under the instruction of Messrs. Davis and Soper, and is said to be the only example of English craftsmanship of the kind entrusted to an English artist, with the exception of one about to be presented to Lord Roberts.

Source:

1. Page 2, "China Mail", 8th Day, 6th Month, 27th Year of Guang-xu

   • 8th Day (Great Heat), 6th Lunar Month, Xin-chou Year

   • Tuesday, 23rd July, 1901 Common Era