The "Ditty box" was an issued to sailors by the Royal Navy from the 1870's until 1938. They were for keeping personal valuables and went with the Sailor as they changed ships during their career.
This box is one my grandfather received when he joined the Navy as a 15 year old in 1914. It contains a few items he would have with him during 15 years service.
One special treasure is a folded paper message from his father when he went to sea, it contained three tiny pieces of coal from his home in Scotland.
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