19th Century Scottish Iron-Bound Overland Trunk by Thomas Russell, Edinburgh

Description

Every so often we find something that sits outside our usual 20th century collection but is simply too good to leave behind.

This 19th century Scottish overland trunk was made by Thomas Russell of Edinburgh, a manufacturer of trunks, portmanteaux, bags and brushes from his premises at 10 North Bank Street, at the head of the Mound.

Constructed from solid pine, the trunk is extensively reinforced with iron strapping, corner plates and riveted fittings. It was clearly built for travel rather than decoration, and more than a century later it still carries the evidence of that life.

Across the dark exterior are old scratches, knocks, remnants of travel labels and layers of faded painted lettering. Among the markings we can still make out J. Purves, M. H. Chaplin and London. We haven't yet been able to establish the people or journey behind them, and rather like leaving that part of its story unresolved.

Inside is a complete contrast. The pale pine interior remains remarkably clean and retains its original Thomas Russell trade label. Among the goods advertised on the label are Overland Trunks, giving us a lovely direct connection between the maker and the original purpose of the piece.

We've done very little to the trunk deliberately. The worn surface, old lettering, label fragments and marks accumulated through years of travel are what make it interesting. Restoring them away would remove much of what we like about it.

At 82cm wide, it's also a particularly useful size. The flat top allows it to work easily as a storage chest, occasional table or an unusual small coffee table.

Not our usual period, perhaps, but very much the sort of thing we think belongs at Brickhouse. Original, beautifully made and with a story to tell.

Dimensions

Height: 52cm x Depth: 55cm x Width: 82cm