h2ct
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In my spare time...
🕑 Added 2022-11-13 23:36:54 +0000 UTCI'm restoring an old chest that I found. From the name on the front, I managed to find the passenger manifest of a 1924 ship which travelled from London to Melbourne, via the Suez Canal. It was owned by a young man starting a new life in Australia.
The exterior was so dry that I assumed it was just wood but it's actually covered in leather. The chest was solid but needed some repairs underneath and inside as well.
Interestingly, the words "Not Wanted" were printed on the outside. I initially thought it meant the trunk was junk but, in fact, it just meant that it wasn't needed during the 6-week sea journey. Inside, the chest was filled with precious books and memories for the owner's new start in Australia.
So, here's a thought ... if you ever feel 'not wanted' in life, remember your journey isn't over yet.
Comments
Thanks Em
Em Bee
How lovely, Ann. Thank you for always finding something encouraging or uplifting to share!
Tania Hankin
can't wait to see it restored. I love old trunks and what a great story its had!
What a powerful message to gain from a restoration project. The trunk is lovely and I so appreciate a good story!
SR Nulton
That is so cool! Most of those trunks were covered in leather. Did it have any paper pasted inside? Or fabric? Sometimes, you can find ones that used old newspapers to cover the interior, which is always a fun treat.
oshra duek
can we see some of the inside things? :) did you manage to find the owner's family? It is like you to make a project of it ๐
Tessalations
How fascinating! Were the books inside seemingly from the original owner? I wonder what happened to him and if this was "lost luggage" or if he continued to use it for storage after arriving.
This is lovely. I can't wait to see how you restore it. My partner's family has two huge wooden chests that they used to travel to the US. We restored them and are using one in our bedroom
Sarah Pankhurst
That's really beautiful, and it's going to look great when it's done. If you have one near you, a saddlery may be able to help you find a similar leather to what's on the chest
Amber Snook
Oh thatโs beautiful, the sentiment and the trunk. Thanks for sharing!
What a beautiful piece, can't wait to see it fully restored
That is incredible that is in such good condition considering its age! How did you bag such a find?
Suzanne Strickland
I would love to see when you are done restoring it
This is awesome! Canโt wait to follow the chests new restoration journey.
