A REGENCY LEATHER AND STUDDED TRUNK, CIRCA 1818

A REGENCY LEATHER AND STUDDED TRUNK CIRCA 1818 Engraved 'Miss Abel 1818', with paper label for 'J Choat, Trunk, Chest & Box Maker, Brighton' 18cm high, 43cm wide, 26cm deep J. Choat, Brighton, advertises to be 'Makers of all sorts of strong Iron-bound Travelling Trunks, ...Hair and Leather Portmantues; Childrens' School Boxes and Trunks; Gilt Leather Trunks; Clothes Chests; ....Milliners ditto; Bonnet ditto, ... made to order on the shortest notice. Repaired or Exchanged.'It has been suggested that 'Miss Abel' (whose name is engraved into the brass plaque of this trunk) may possibly relate to one of the sisters who befriended Napoleon whilst he was exiled on the island of St Helena. The Balcombe family returned to England in 1818 and Betsy Balcombe (who had known Napoleon since the age of 13) did not become Mrs Abell until 28th May 1821 when she married Edward Abell. Condition Report: There are marks, knocks, scratches, scuffs and abrasions consistent with age and use, some to the extremities and edges.There are some tears to the leather, the fabric tape bearers to the hinged top are torn, the marble paper interior is worn.Please see the additional photographs as a visual reference of condition. Condition Report Disclaimer