Travel Chest Item Number: 3000/1 a-c from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Large rectangular trunk with a high convex lid, reinforced by perpendicular horizontal wooden slats (two on the body and five on the lid) with decorative metal slat-clamps at the corners. Base corner clamps include small metal wheels. Corner edges are reinforced with tin strips, with two thinner pieces decorating the front and a tin lip edging the lid. All are attached by rivets. Leather handles were once attached to short sides, with one now missing and the other damaged. Heavy paper lines the outer walls, and has decorative scored and painted ‘x’ and diamond shapes on the front of body and lid. Trunk is closed by two latches at front centre with a lock between, and a drawbolt to each side. At back are three metal hinges. Decorative metal corner bumps are attached at lid’s top corners with a small metal handle at front centre. Interior of trunk lined in grey paper. Part b is a piece of interior luggage that sits high in the trunk on wooden slats. It is divided into three compartments, all with top lifting lids. Made of wood, the piece is covered in grey paper on sides, while lids are decorated in adhesive paper in white and blue lines, borders in red, blue and yellow, and two images at centre of lids showing people, foliage, landscapes and decorative patterning. Attached to the interior lid of the trunk are similar lidded compartments decorated in the same motifs that nestle together with part b in a compact fit. Part c is a rectangular paper luggage tag.

Narrative

The trunk is presumed to have been used by the missionary Thomas Crosby for his move from England to Canada, and subsequent travel on the coast. The place of manufacture is unknown.