19th c. Monogrammed Travel Blanket Chest Trunk
ABOUT
A 19th-century marine or campaign travel chest features durable wood construction, dovetail joinery, steel handles, copper corners and a removable fitted woven cane tray inside that lifts out to reveal deeper storage underneath. Built specifically to endure heavy travel by sea or military campaigns, the trunk is crafted from fragrant camphor wood used to protect contents from pests during long sea voyages. Monogrammed "C.S. 2" with several original travel stickers.
- CREATOR Unknown.
- DATE OF MANUFACTURE c1850-1890.
- MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES Camphor Wood, Copper, Cane.
- CONDITION Good. Wear consistent with age and use.
- DIMENSIONS H 15 in. x W 40 in. x D 20 in.
HISTORY
Camphor wood was the premium choice for travel trunks—especially maritime and campaign chests—for three critical reasons: Its a natural pest repellent. This scent aggressively repels moths, beetles, and silverfish. Moisture and mold resistance. Camphor is a dense, oily hardwood that naturally repels water. It resists mildew. warping, rotting, and mold growth in humid, salty ship hulls. Aromatic masking. The strong, clean, medicinal scent masked the damp, musty odors of long ocean transit. The distinctive, pleasant aroma can persist in the wood for centuries.
