Boot polish tin used by members of the Ashenden family of Bridgewater to store letters and telegrams received from, and relating to, their sons serving in World War One.
The text on the lid reads, 'The "Nugget" Polishes. As used in the Royal Households.' The box has rust on the cover and shows a handwritten label that reads, 'War Time'. Many South Australian households would have had a tin of Nugget boot polish.
All five sons enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force during World War One. George Henry served as Private, Driver and Farrier Sergeant in the 10th Battalion in Egypt, Gallipoli, France and Belgium. Wilfred Ernest served as Private in the 6th Machine Gun Company, late 8th Machine Gun Company in France. Charles Leonard served as Trooper in the 9th Light Horse Regiment in Egypt, Palestine and Syria. Ralph Gilbert served as Private in the 9th Light Horse Regiment, 4th Battalion Imperial Camel Corps and 1st Squadron Australian Flying Corps in Egypt, Palestine and Syria. Alfred Thomas also served in the A.I.F.
