Casket - Metal - Dutch monarchy

Dutch commemorative tin box in memory of the year 1813 – memorial canister of liberation and the House of Orange (ca. 1913)

Dimensions see photos; subsequent measurements in the description are often incorrect - measurements approximated via iPhone tape app (relatively accurate but not always); see photo series. Offer only if exact dimensions are not important to you and you can precisely determine the size of the box by comparison with a reference object.

The present object is a rectangular metal tin, classified as a memorial and devotional item within Dutch memory culture.
Manufacturing and occasion context: The can was produced in 1913 on the occasion of the centennial celebration (100 years) of the reacquisition of Dutch independence and the return of the House of Orange in 1813. It commemorates the events around 1813, when the Principality of the United Netherlands was reestablished after the end of Napoleon’s French occupation.
Catalog number: Not applicable (mass-produced commemorative item). This specific design places the object in the patriotic memory phase on the eve of the First World War, an era when elaborately lithographed metal cans were widely produced as collectible and utilitarian objects.
Physical condition: Since no measuring tape appears in the photos, exact size can be estimated from the usual proportions of such decorative cans.
Dimensions:
L: approx. 20 cm
W: approx. 12 cm
The tin has a solid thickness appropriate to its age with a fold-down lid construction.

Iconographic and historical figures analysis (The “Orange Heritage”)
This can is of exceptional value because it unites the central historical personalities and proclamations of the Dutch liberation period:
William I, Prince of Orange-Nassau (King William I): depicted in military uniform with orders, representing the first sovereign prince and later king of the United Netherlands who began the rule in 1813.
Wilhelmina of Prussia: As wife of William I, she occupies a prominent position in the medallions and embodies the German-Dutch dynastic connections.
Gijsbert Karel van Hogendorp: As one of the three men (Triumvirate of 1813 together with Van Limburg Stirum and Van der Duyn van Maasdam) who proclaimed the provisional government in The Hague in November 1813.
Iconography and graphic design of the lid and body
The visual design is a prime example of patriotic lithography printing from the early 20th century:
Central motif: The lid shows a centrally framed historical scene of proclamation/assumption of government (“Aanvaarding van het hoog bewind in naam van den Prins van Oranje, 24 Nov 1813, ten huize van Gijsbert Karel van Hogendorp”), surrounded by portrait medallions and the years 1813 and 1913. The coloring in the chromolithography style uses gold tones, ochre, and muted greens and reds.
Ornamentation: The surrounding borders, medallions with laurel wreaths and heraldic elements (coats of arms of the provinces or the royal house) reference the neoclassical and orange style of the 19th century.
Sides and body: The sides display further portraits and historical text panels in old Dutch typography, citing proclamations and appeals from 1813 (including references to The Hague and the House of Orange).
Cultural-historical context: The 1913 anniversary
The object itself, made for the 100th anniversary in 1913, recalls the turning point years of the Napoleonic wars:
Stylistic mix: The can combines the aesthetics of the early 19th century with the industrial printing techniques of 1913. It served as a patriotic keepsake for the population to strengthen national self-awareness in the Netherlands.
Significance of the anniversary imprint: In 1913 the Netherlands celebrated the centennial of their independence with numerous exhibitions, monuments, and devotional items, including these metal cans.
Material condition and collecting assessment (grading)
The conservation state is, for a more than 100-year-old metal object, reasonably good with patina:
Surface and lithography: The lithographic prints on the lid and sides are still clearly visible despite age-related rust spots, patina, and minor defects. The colors exhibit the characteristic look of metal cans from that era.
Storage traces: Age-related surface rust, material wear, and patina are present on the unprotected metal and partially on the printed areas. The hinge and base structure appear functional.
Provenance: Time traces indicate authentic preservation from a collector’s hands, without modern cosmetic retouching.
Market value analysis and outlook 2026
While simple metal cans often trade in the lower range, thematically closed commemorative cans relating to the House of Orange and the year 1813 attract steady interest among specialized collectors.
Criterion Rating Influence on value
Artistic and patriotic rank commemorative object 1913 Medium to high
Physical condition age-appropriate patina / worn Moderate
Rarity of pressings / can form Medium availability in the Netherlands Neutral
Market trend 2026 steady collector interest in monarchical devotional items Positive

Archive summary
This object is more than a container; it is a multisensory time capsule document. It unites the visual memory culture of 1913 with the industrial metal printing art of the era. A highlight for any collection on the topic “Dutch monarchy and House of Orange.”
Title
Dutch commemorative metal can for the 100-year anniversary of liberation (1813–1913) with portraits of the House of Orange and scenes of independence
Object
Lithographed tin can with a hinged lid.
Dimensions:
L: approx. 20 cm
W: approx. 12 cm
Manufacturer: Anonymous tinware factory (likely Netherlands or Germany for the Dutch market, ca. 1913).
Catalog number: None.
Representation
The lid shows a central, rectangular-framed depiction of the 1813 government takeover in the presence of Gijsbert Karel van Hogendorp, surrounded by portrait medallions, coats of arms, and the years 1813 and the anniversary year 1913.
Color scheme is ocher, gold, black, and muted red and green tones, framed by ornamental borders. The sides continue the portraits of Dutch rulers and historical text fragments in Gothic or Antiqua typeface.
Technique and execution
The object is an industrially produced metal can made of printed or lithographed tinplate.
Printing method: Classic lithographic printing (tin print) in multi-color on a metallic substrate.
Form: Rectangular storage or decorative can with a hinged lid.
Manufacture: Produced during the centennial celebrations in 1913.
Dating and context
This exemplar can be dated precisely to 1913, as it was designed as a commemorative can to mark the 100th anniversary of the events of 1813 (expulsion of the French and return of the Prince of Orange).
Stylistic classification
The lid and body design follow the typical patriotic language of early 20th century. The composition is clearly structured:
Central historical event image as focal point.
Framed portrait medallions of important statesmen and rulers.
Detailed text panels with historical quotes and dates.
Framing and packaging
The object is in an unboxed, initial-found state without additional protective film, underscoring its authentic character.
Condition
Lid and body: age-appropriate condition with obvious patina, surface rust, and color loss at the edges, but fully intact.
Inside: metal rubbed, typical internal rust traces visible.
Overall, a collectible object of Dutch memory culture in authentic preservation.
Cultural-historical significance and interpretation
This tin can is a significant document of Dutch memory politics before World War I. It preserves the national narrative of the liberation of 1813, publicly celebrated in the anniversary year 1913.
The object represents a direct link to the formative history of the modern Dutch kingdom. For collectors of tin cans, monarchical devotional items, and Dutch national history, this piece is a fascinating document.
Conclusion
An authentic specimen of a Dutch commemorative tin can from 1913. The object impresses with its detailed lithographic design and documents the patriotic memory culture of the pre-war era.
Artist: Unknown lithographer / industrial print
Title: Commemorative can 100 years of Dutch independence (1813–1913)
Technique: Lithographed tinplate
Label / Manufacturer: Unmarked (commercial product of 1913)
Dimensions:
L: approx. 20 cm
W: approx. 12 cm
Condition: age-appropriate with patina and rust traces
Significance: Patriotic document of Dutch history and monarchy
Here is the assessment of the value of the present object:
Market and demand
Antique tin cans with historical references are valued by specialized collectors, but prices are highly dependent on condition. Since the surface shows age-related rust traces and wear, this is an authentic collectible with beautiful patina, though with cosmetic flaws.
Value-determining factors
Condition (grading): The object shows visible aging and rust traces, reducing the value for high-end display pieces but confirming authenticity.
Theme & rarity: The specific connection to the Dutch anniversary 1813–1913 makes the can particularly interesting on the Dutch collector market.
Completeness: The can remains intact in its basic substance; the lid closes, and the lithographic main motifs are well legible.
Note: Since your can shows clear age and rust traces, it falls in the lower to middle segment. For sale, specialized online platforms or Dutch antique trade can fetch a realistic price for this historical piece.
Conclusion for disposition
Selling via local flea-market portals or specialized collectors’ markets for historical tin cans and Dutch devotional items is best to reach enthusiasts of this niche historical collecting field.
Pay attention to the measurements based on photos (I often photographed measurements with a tape). Measurements are sometimes inaccurate in descriptions due to electronic processing—please reconfirm if exact millimeter or centimeter precision is very important.
The description was prepared with electronic means. Errors and mistakes excepted. The description serves as research aid and does not guarantee a valuation.
Rely exclusively on the photos as the decisive basis for the contractual purchase and buy only if you can make a personal assessment from the photos and you have sufficient expertise to evaluate it.
Note that all information regarding the chronological placement of this work was made to the best of our knowledge, but no guarantee or claim to correctness or precision can be given.