Trunk

Date1740-1770

Maker Charles Townsend

MediumLeather-covered wood, brass, linen lining & paper

DimensionsOH: 19 1/4"; OW: 43 1/4"; OD: 2 7/8"

Credit LinePartial Gift, Mr. Madison Grant and Museum Purchase

Object number1989-70

DescriptionFlat topped trunk covered in leather and decorated with brass tacks in a geometric pattern around the perimeter of the top and front as well as outlining the sides and front; four decorative brass straps around each front corner; decorative brass lock on the front with a crown above a heart shaped design; brass carrying handles on each end.
Markings"EB" in brass tacks on the top of the trunk.
Printed paper label adhered to inside of top. Label has this text inside a scrolled rococo cartouche: "Charles Townsend/ TRUNK [M]AKER/ At the three Trunks & Blew Boar/ in Leadenhall Street/ LONDON/ Makes & Sells all Sorts of Trunks/ for Plate China & Glass, Cases for/ Church Plate, Leather Buckets/ Portanteaus, Cloak Bags, Gambadoes/ and all Sorts of Leather Bags/ Bottles & Tacks for/ Sea or Land" At bottom edge of cartouche: "Will Darling fecit" Also within the cartouche are images, at the top of a boar over three leather boxes, on the sides, a leather bucket, a leather trunk or box, a leather bottle, and a leather mug.
ProvenanceThis trunk has a history of ownership in Charles City County, Virginia.