Trunk, Hair

Dateca. 1779

MediumDeal, hide and leather, iron, paper, and textile

DimensionsOH: 19 1/4" OW: 45" OD: 23"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1967-80

DescriptionRectangular hair trunk with slightly domed lid secured by three hinges at back (central hinge broken); trunk covered with brown cowhide (hair) and trimmed and secured with tan leather strips around the edges of the trunk and in two double strips appearing to band around the front, top, and back on either side of the central lock, dividing the facade into three equal parts; four iron strips are nailed to the front and the sides of the front corners of the trunk and top; one bail handle at each side bent at right angle and secured in iron pins; original paper lining made of London news - paper sheets of THE GENERAL ADVERTISER AND MORNING INTELLIGENCE for Monday, May 24, 1779 (in lid), Wednesday, January 6, 1779 (liner at front), and THE PUBLIC LEDGER for Saturday, December 5, 1778 (bottom); newspaper lining block printed in an all-over pattern of leaves in light purple forming diagonal lines; fabric tapes nailed in inside both ends to case and lid sides (both torn); three battens across bottom width of trunk.

Deal carcass, cow hide covering, iron handles and side supports, paper lining.
InscribedVertical shipping mark on bottom in brown paint of "TM3" with a diamond around the M.