Railway Travel Trunk, Switzerland, 1916

Details

Description

Early 20th-century Swiss railway travel trunk, retaining its highly characterful original surface, fittings and interior, with a handwritten inscription dated … Read more Early 20th-century Swiss railway travel trunk, retaining its highly characterful original surface, fittings and interior, with a handwritten inscription dated September 1916. Constructed as a substantial piece of period travel luggage, the trunk features a dark brown textured coated-canvas exterior, contrasting pale wooden protective battens, riveted metal edging and fittings, side carrying hardware and small metal rollers. The exterior retains extensive original wear, abrasions, oxidation, surface losses and remnants of historic travel labels. These traces of use contribute significantly to the authentic, well-travelled character of the piece. The interior is particularly distinctive. It is lined in a light, finely ribbed material and retains an original removable framed lattice insert. The internal arrangement reflects the practical construction of early 20th-century European travel luggage, designed to organize and secure personal belongings during transport. Inside the lid is a handwritten ownership inscription followed by the clearly legible date “September 1916.” The personal name is partially difficult to decipher and has therefore intentionally not been identified. The combination of coated canvas, wooden strengthening battens, riveted metal reinforcement, rollers and removable interior fittings is characteristic of substantial Central European railway luggage from the period. The trunk has been deliberately preserved in its present antique condition. Its scratches, worn areas, losses to the coated surface, oxidation, old label remnants and other signs of age and use have not been disguised. They form an integral part of the object’s history and visual character. A highly atmospheric survivor from the age of early 20th-century European rail travel, combining strong sculptural presence with genuine documentary interest.

Origin: Switzerland Period: Early 20th century Date: Interior inscription dated September 1916 Materials: Wood, coated canvas, metal and interior lining Dimensions: Height: 23.63 in (60 cm) Width: 23.63 in (60 cm) Depth: 19.69 in (50 cm) Condition: GoodWear consistent with age and use. Original antique condition with extensive age-related wear, abrasions, oxidation, surface losses and remnants of historic travel labels. See less