Trunk

Date1740-1770

Maker Charles Townsend

MediumDeal, leather, brass, iron, 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. Interior lined with linen and paper (on edges). Paper printed with small yellow and black trellis pattern. Printed maker's label adhered to inside, center of lid over linen. Woven tape (broken) nailed to inside of lid and case of trunk at both ends.
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.