Images(7)

Trunk

Date1743

Labeled by Henry Nickles

OriginEngland, London

MediumDeal, leather, brass, iron, paper, and textile

DimensionsOH: 16 1/4"; OW: 33 1/8"; OD: 17 1/2".

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1958-19

DescriptionRectangular trunk with a flat base, straight sides, hinged, domed lid with large brass catch plate at front (catch missing) in shape of a crown; open, scrolled ear-shape lockplate below, surrounding large keyhole; brass tacks form large geometric figure in center top; four circles, one at each corner of top; "17" and "43" stamped on either side of central figure; diamond borders, formed by tacks, on either side of top; front surface of trunk decorated with a pair of geometric circles with diamond borders, formed by tacks; three large, three pierced brass braces or straps at front corners on each side; large, steel bail handle on each side; rear and base not covered with leather; three horizontal braces nailed to base; interior plain, lined with multicolored (red, blue, and yellows) marbled paper. Printed paper label for Henry Nickles inside trunk lid. Fabric tapes nailed inside both sides to case and lid.Label TextThis ornate leather trunk decorated with brass tracks in geometric designs and pierced brass straps and escutcheon is labled by its maker, Henry Nickles, of London. Nickles' shop, "The Trunk & Buckets," was located at the corner of St. Paul's Churchyard around 1740. Nickles is said to have amassed a fortune of nearly 20,000 Pounds before he died in 1750. While decorative, leather trunks with metal mounts like this were also very utilitarian, storing clothing and personal items within domestic settings as well as on the road while traveling. The leather served as a water-resistant cover to the wooden structure of the trunk.Mark(s)"1743" in brass tacks on lid of trunk. Label attached to underside of lid reads: "Henry Nickles/Trunk Maker/at the Corner of St. Paul's next Cheapside/LONDON./Makes & sells, all Sorts of Campaign/Trunks, Portmanteau Trunks, & Leather/Portmanteau's, Leather-Baggs, Cloth Cloak/Baggs, Plate Cases, Perriwigg-Boxes/Gilded nest of Trunks, Fire-Bucketts,/and all Sorts of other Leather-Ware/Also Vallees for Bedding, Canteens & C/ Wholesale & Retail at Reasonable Rates./N.B. Kitchen Hampers & Powder Baggs/H Burgh Sculpt."