18th Century Leather & Iron Coaching Trunk

Trunk that travelled through time...and survived to tell the story. This piece has had a life, a tough one, but it has endured the test of time. I would have to say it is remarkable really when you consider it is a humble utilitarian coaching trunk. It was all handstitched, has a very primitive, but decorative pattern along the leading edge. A diamond shaped stitch, with concave detail design. This design continues on the lid, has a lunette stitched detail along the front with reinforced corner patches. Leather was used to bound the lid to the main body. Open the trunk up and the original canvas lining is still in place. Look carefully and you can see the original blood-red leather shining through where the lid has shielded it from the weather and sunlight. The original hinged clasp & latch is still present, showing the spade design with a tiny finial end, the finial is repeated on the handles. There is also an embossed decorative metal rosette above the clasp. Tiny detail created by someone 200+ years ago. One of the best details is the drop handles, on each side. The history of the handles, one is the original, hand forge with the nicest end finial detail, (the other came off during its life and lost). However, we had one copied to replace in the same design and dimensions. The shape, the detail are 99.9% a match. Even down to the round tin washers. Plus, new split pins to enable use to fix the handles in place. Another nice feature is the original reinforced iron rings and hooks still in place, enabling the owner, or servant to securely attach the coaching trunk in place. Bumpy tracks back in the day! The original tin cladding to the base is still present, although now patchy due to the trunks age. Overall a wonderful piece of history still going strong. Period: Late 18th Century, possibly earlier. Material: Leather, iron & tin