Trunk
Date1751-1770
Artist/Maker
Smith & Lucas
Artist/Maker
Edward Smith
OriginEngland, London
MediumDeal (probably spruce), covered with leather; brass studs and mountings.
DimensionsOH: 21 5/8"; OW: 41 5/8"; OD: 22 1/4"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1971-400,A
DescriptionLeather trunk with domed lid studded with brass tacks in large tulip design in center with serpentine scrolls along sides; brass tacks in on front in designs of crowns over "GR"s, and swirls; large brass keyhole escutcheon of a pierced crown over a heart; three pierced brass straps at each front corner; brass carrying handles on ends; interior lined with marbleized paper; fabric (likely linen) tape nailed inside lid and case at both ends.Label TextEdward Smith and likely Richard Lucas were trunk ("coffer") and plate- case makers in London in the mid-18th century. While this trunk and its label are undated, other related trade cards by the partnership can be dated to the 1750s abnd 1760s (see trade cards in the British Museum collection). An almost identical trunk to CWF 1956-2, labled by Richard Lucas (the presumed partner of Edward Smith) and in a private collection, is dated 1757, placing it in the midst of this partnership. The ornamental cartouche surrounding the text of the label on this Smith and Lucas trunk (1971-400a) is of a more rococo style than others identified, suggesting that it could be a later printing, dating towards the 1770s.
MarkingsLabel of Smith and Lucas pasted on underside of top "Smith & Lucas./ COFFER & PLATE CASE MAKERS/ to his MAJESTY./ And his ROYAL HIGHNESS the PRINCE of WALES,/ at the Kings Arms & three Trunks Charing Cross London./ Make & Sell all Sorts of Hair & Black Leather Trunks,/ for Travelling, Carriages, & Exportation, Canteens & Camp Trunks/ for the Army, Leather Portmantuas, Valleeses Fire Bucketts/ & every other Article in the Leather Ware./ Likewise,/ Cases of all Sorts for Plate, China, Glass,/ &c, at the most Reasonable Rates./ Towes & RoyeeSc./ St. Anns Lane"
ProvenanceDocument which accompanied trunk (original and copy in object file) gives history of trunk as follows: First known owner Philip Morgon, a mason of Bristol, died 1826; Thomas Morgon (nephew of above) 1866 bequeathed it to his housekeeper; Miss Eliza Sheaplond (?). She gave it to her brother-in-law; Mr. J.B. Pinnock, a coach builder of Bristol who died in 1904. Inherited by his son; Alfred S. Pinnock of Bristol who died in 1915 bequeathed to his nephew; Mr. William A.P. Ireland of Worthingham, Berkshire. In 1940 he gave it to his daugh ter; Mrs. Mildred Rawls of West End, Southampton. Sold by Executor of her estate to K & R Behren's Antique Dealers in Winchester sold by them to Mr. Ivor Noel Hume.
1740-1770
ca. 1755
1775-1800
1700-1720
1700-1750
1819
1808-1830
1743
1780-1820
1780-1830
1720-1740
1800-1840