(The Marquis de Lafayette). A gentleman's cedar dressing box

(LAFAYETTE, THE MARQUIS DE )

A GENTLEMAN'S CEDAR DRESSING BOX

Circular form (diameter: 3 7/8 in.; 99 mm; height: 1 1/8 in.; 28 mm). The lid and bottom fitted with silver bands engraved, respectively, "This Box of Red Cedar, made from the Same as that which encloses the remains of Col. Marinus Willett, an officer of the American Revolution," and "is respectfully transmitted to Genl. Lafayette, by Obadiah Newcomb Sen. a Soldier of the Revolution New York May 1st 1833"; the lid surmounted by a silver roundel engraved with Lafayette's name above the federal eagle.

Marinus Willett was a Revolutionary officer and politician from New York; he died in 1830. Obadiah Newcomb Sr. also served in the Continental Army from New York.