the back with tooled trellis pattern, mounted with pierced brass bindings and hasp, two apron drawers, with printed makers label to interior

West Horsley Place, Surrey, Inventory, 1938, Vol. 1, p.57, on the Main Landing and Stairs; A 4” antique dome top Leather Trunk with 2 drawers at the base studded with brass nails. By James Parker, Trunkmaker, Leadenhall Street, London. £35. 

Decorative and impressive. The fact it has its original makers label is rare and important. Much wear. Losses and stains and tears to leather and brass work. Sides distressed and with mould, should clean easily. Waxed and polished it will be superb.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Travelling trunks of this form with similar decorative brass-studding originated in the seventeenth century. Used for the transport and storage of valuable goods they continued to be produced, relatively unaltered in form, through to the reign of George II. High quality textured leather from Russia (known as ‘Russia leather’) made them lightweight and water-resistant. Decorative studding and conspicuous mounts were used for the purposes of identification and to show the high status of the owner. Very little is known about James Parker whose label is inset, although it is likely he worked in a similar vein to Edward Smith – coffer maker to George II. The quality of the materials - most likely bought from Leather Lane in Farringdon - used and the colorful pattination inside the lid are demonstrative of a maker of high renown. Similar chests are illustrated in P. Macquoid and R. Edwards, The Dictionary of English Furniture, London, 1954, vol. II, p, 17. A chest with the same brass stud decoration and interior was sold Christie’s, London, 24 January 2008, lot 165.