Lot 307
  • 307

A George I brass nailed leather bound domed trunk early 18th century

Estimate
1,500 - 2,000 GBP
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Description

  • leather, brass, fruitwood
  • 56cm. high, 107cm. wide, 57cm. deep; 1ft 10in., 3ft. 6in., 1ft. 10 ½in.
with a domed top decorated with studs and scrolls, the lid handle and escutcheon in the shape of a crowned heart, with an iron handle on each side

Condition

This attractive chest is in country house condition presenting wear and tear according to age and use with losses to side metal brackets. The sides and back have been recovered and the interior is now covered with venetian-type marbled paper
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Catalogue Note

Travelling trunks of this form with similar decorative brass-studding originated in the seventeenth century. Used for the transport and storage of valuable goods they continued to be produced, relatively unaltered in form, through to the reign of George II. High quality textured leather from Russia (known as ‘Russia leather’) made them lightweight and water-resistant. Decorative studding and conspicuous mounts were used for the purposes of identification and to show the high status of the owner.

Similar chests are illustrated in P. Macquoid and R. Edwards, The Dictionary of English Furniture, London, 1954, vol. II, p, 17. A chest with the same brass decoration, namely the crowned escutcheon, bearing the label of the maker James Parker was sold The Duchess Precious Objects and Property from the Estate of Mary, Duchess of Roxburghe, Sotheby's, London, 27 May 2015, lot 187.