Trivets celebrating Field-Marshal Earl Roberts

Postcard of Field-Marshal Earl Roberts (J. Beagles & Co., 1902)

Field-Marshal Earl Frederick Sleigh Roberts (1832 ~ 1914) was a British career soldier and one of the most respected commanders in the history of the British Empire. Roberts became a baron in 1892, which thereafter entitled him to be addressed as Lord Roberts.

Clean, simple, valiant, well-beloved,
Flawless in faith and fame,
Whom neither ease nor honours moved
An hair’s-breadth from his aim.
From the poem “Lord Roberts” by Rudyard Kipling, 1914

I think you’ll enjoy this 1901 video Lord Roberts’ Visit To Manchester documenting his appearance to distribute medals to Boer War veterans and to unveil a statue of Queen Victoria. The quality is amazing for such an early film!

In my collection I have three rare antique brass trivets featuring a likeness of Roberts. None are signed on the reverse. The first two trivets commemorate battles in South Africa during the Boer War, fought October 11, 1889 ~ May 31, 1902.

(above) On face: Africa’s Hero Lord Roberts

Brass, 7 1/2 x 4 1/2 ” w/three 3/4″ feet.

(above) On face: Pretoria, Bloemfontein, Ladysmith and Mafeking.

Brass, 8 7/8 x 5 1/8″ w/2 feet, 2 cleats, and center firebar support.

(above) On face: Our Bobs and Rd number 156526 (for 1890).

Brass, 9 x 5″ w/three 7/8″ feet.

The third trivet above is older, with an Rd number dating it to 1890. Roberts wasn’t promoted to Field-Marshall until 1895; prior to that he held the rank of General. The term “Our Bobs” was an affectionate term bestowed by both fellow soldiers and appreciative countrymen.