Large rectangualr rosewood veneer box with hinged lid and pressed metal oval-shaped handle centered on lid. The underside of the lid has a mirror that is hinged with a top swinging catch that comes down to convert it to a writing surface. Several separate velvet-lined compartments of varying size comprise the inside of the box. There is cock-bead molding around lower edge of lid and the keyhole is centered just below the front lip of the lid; on the short end of the oblong chest is a 2 inch high wide drawer with a keyhole and lined with velvet.
Square, sheer handkerchief with scalloped edge embroidered in dark blue. 'HL' embroidered in dark blue on one corner. Four woven dark blue lines near each side, crossing at each corner.
Large trunk (a) with two large shelves (b, c) that lift out, and one smaller shelf (d). Exterior of the trunk has brown-striped canvas with three horizontal wood straps on the front, back, and hinged lid. There are wrought iron straps riveted at the corners of the trunk to reinforce the construction. Iron handles, one each side. Two sides covered with shipping labels.
Traveling trunk. Large chest-shaped with metal sheet strips at corners. Studded wooden bands at front, back, and top over canvas-covered wood. Two metal catches on lid, remains of leather strap. Lid is rounded. Exterior has remnants of travel destination stickers and one end cap has Henry Elliot Johnston's initials stenciled 'HEJ'.
Traveling trunk manufactured by J.W. Allen Military Outfitter, 37 Strand, London, England. Low profile oblong trunk with a leather handle on both short ends. Single hinged metal hasp on center apron of the lid locks into flat lock opening at top center of the trunk body. Two partial leather straps that added additional closure to the trunk are extant. Oval brass medallion attached below the lock with J.W. Allen Military Outfitter 37 Strand embossed. H.E.J. Baltimore painted in white stenciling on both ends. White label stating 'Deposit ticket / May 16, 1874 / Henry E. Johnston / 3743' on one end.
Trunk, with brown/black checkerboard canvas covering. Metal band around the trunk attaches lock on front, handles on side and hinges on back. Every metal peg on this band has 'Louis Vuitton' stamped on the head.
The trunk opens from the front to reveal a removable shelf inside. Inside the lid, criss-crossed ribbon allows for storage of delicate/lightweight items slid behind the ribbon.
Provenance
Trunk owned by Harriet Lane Johnston, then descent within family to donor.
