Trunk
England
1790-1835
Measurements
8-1/2 in x 23-1/4 in x 11-1/8 in
Materials
Leather, brass, and unidentified wood
Credit Line
Historic Odessa Foundation, bequest of H. Rodney Sharp
Accession Number
1968.803
Condition Notes
The left front strap at the bottom has broken away from the chest. The outside surface of the wood bottom exhibits rot or worm damage (now not active) and some splitting. Inside the trunk, the paper lining has torn and is missing in some places.
Provenance
Ex coll. H. Rodney Sharp
Comments
The top and sides of the rectangular trunk are covered in black leather held in place by multiple brass-headed tacks. The tacks are arranged along the borders and in an oval on the top of the lid. The lid, which locks in place, covers the top edge of the trunk body. Brass caps protect the trunk corners, as do two rectangular tabs in the front and back (one of which is now detached). All of the sheet brass tabs and corners are held in place by tiny screws with clotted heads. Bail handles at opposite ends of the trunk have stops built into their shapes to prevent them from closing on the user's hands--a nice little feature that may have been introduced at the end of the 18th century.
Inside the trunk, a medial brace runs from the front to the back of the lid. The inside is covered in red paper printed in gilt with flowers and vines.
