Edwardian Leather Luggage With British Royal Arms

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Description

Oh to be posh. Instead, like camels, like beasts of burden, we load ourselves with backpacks when we travel. But … Read more Oh to be posh. Instead, like camels, like beasts of burden, we load ourselves with backpacks when we travel. But there was a time when gentlemen of a certain cut journeyed with headgear conveyed in its own separate, purpose-made piece of luggage. And, if one wanted to be sure that one’s valet picked up the right one after a 5-day shooting and white-tie extravaganza in the countryside, the bag had to be marked as such. No mere luggage tag, either. On offer here is just such an exceptional, high-grade antique leather hat trunk (or "hat box" trunk), but this one features the hand-painted Royal Arms of the United Kingdom. (Posh enough for you?)
This specific cube-like shape was explicitly designed to transport gentlemen's top hats, silk hats, or military dress helmets without crushing them. The case is wrapped in premium, heavy-weight bridle leather with hand-stitched reinforced leather corners and thick leather side-lifting handles. By now, the leather has acquired a gorgeous, rich honey-brown patina.
The lever-secure brass locks are marked "Bond St. London" and include small numbers (like the "1" visible on the left lock), which originally corresponded to a specific, secure master key (which your valet would have carried, right?)—all textbook features of late-Victorian to Edwardian luxury campaign luggage.
Now, about that crest. The front features a beautifully detailed, hand-painted rendition of the British Royal Coat of Arms. It includes the Order of the Garter motto "Honi soit qui mal y pense" (Shame on him who thinks evil of it) around the shield. Then, there’s the monarch's motto "Dieu et mon droit" (God and my right) along the bottom ribbon.
In the 19th and early 20th centuries, wealthy travelers, diplomats, and high-ranking military officers frequently had their family crests, initials, or regiment insignia painted onto their luggage for easy identification at customs and train stations. Because this piece features the exact Royal Arms rather than a personal family crest, it likely belonged to a high-ranking British crown official, a diplomatic courier, or a member of the Royal Household traveling on official state business.
Collectors and designers highly covet this specific shape to use as a luxury side table by an armchair, or as an accent piece in a study or library. Pop a tray on the top. And now, after reading all this, “Whiskey or brandy, Sir?” Now, there’s an idea.
Signature/Maker’s mark: On the brass locks (photo #4). See less