Object Description
A black japanned tin Vasculum.
A Vasculum Tin was used by botanists in the field to safely hold any plants or cuttings they collected. Most were made of tin as the rigid shape would protect the contents from being crushed or bent whilst walking. Continental European ones tend to be more tubular in shape whilst British and American ones are flatter with a single compartment like this one. The lid has a simple slide catch to lock.
Vasculum Tins were used from mid 18th century becoming more popular in the 19th and through to the mid 20th century with the increase of amateur botanists. Flowers or plants could be carefully carried home to either be pressed, drawn or studied. Mid 19th Century.