The last colonial war of Queen Victoria's long reign, the Second Boer War (11 October 1899 - 31 May 1902) took place in the heat of South Africa. The town of Mafeking, under the command of Baden-Powell was besiged almost from the start in October 1899 until relieved in May 1900. The seige was lifted after 217 days and although of little military significance it was a much needed morale booster for the British Empire. Street parties and celebrations took place and items of memorabilia were produced. The seige established Baden-Powell as a national hero and when he went on to write "Scouting for Boys" in 1908 his fame helped in the rapid growth of the Boy Scout Movement. This clear glass plate was produced as a momento of the great occasion. Highly decorated on the reverse with minute glass beading are the details of the seige, a couple of Union flags and the initials of Queen Victoria. For a fragile object that is over 120 years old it is in fantastic condition. There is no discolouration, cracks or scratches and only has one chip which is hardly noticeable. A true antique. A great piece for a Boer War enthusiast, as part of a Victorian display or for someone with a connection to the Boy Scouts.