Northern Hoarder

Early 20th Century Black Metal Bound Trunk
£375
A seemingly straight forward trunk, all be it a very elegantly crafted one.

But on closer inspection, it begins to give up its secrets!

Obviously there is the name Barrie Sutcliffe on the top.
Along with Rangitata.

Rangitata is an area in South Island, New Zealand.
But it is also a ship.
The RMS Rangitata owned by The New Zealand Shipping Company.
Which sailed between London and New Zealand.

Which all fits in with the luggage labels.
And gives us some tantalising clues when we look up Barrie Sutcliffes name (or more properly Charles Barrie Sutcliffe as per the C.B.S. initials on the top).

Records hint that he was born in Halifax, UK, November 1899.
He seemed to have made his way to London and there are indication that he enlisted in the RAF/RFC around 1918.
Obviously he made his way to New Zealand somehow. Deployment possibly?

And then mysterously there is an entry in the New Zealand Police Gazette, 13th February 1929.
Wellington - On or about the 21st December last, on warrant for false pretences, C. Barrie Sutcliffe, age about twenty-nine, height about 5ft 8in, salesman and canvasser, fair complexion and hair; usually dressed in a blue suit with double-breasted coat and bowler hat. Accused obtained £8 9s. 6d. from his employer, Jack Sillings, Dominion Portrait Company, by falsely representing that he had received seventeen orders for portraits and was entitled to that amount as commission (with a note that he was arrested 6/3/29).

The age is right for our Halifax born lad.
So strong evidence that this is the same man.

And the RMS Rangitata was launched March 1929.
And the luggage labels say April 17th ('Not Wanted' on the luggage labels means that it is 'Hold' baggage).
Which would tie in with a homeward voyage from New Zealand back to the UK.
Possibly as a result of deportation after his crimes?
Or did he do a runner from justice?

And then the LEP Transport Ltd label (by car) gives us its final clue, as the destination was Branksome, Bournemouth.
Which is where it found its way to me!

So many hints at what a history this travel trunk has had!!
The case itself is a beautifully patinaed black. Giving it plenty of character!

Bounded with thin metal strips, complete with studs.
It also has metal corner edge plates for protection.

Locks are in good order and working, with a single key present.

Leather handle still intact on one end, all be it aged and brittle.
With the other end having a replacement, belt style leather handle.

Inside, is a light snake skin effect veneer.
The cloth straps to keep the lid from falling too far back are broken.
It also has a lift out top section with intact cloth straps, in the same light snake effect veneer.

All in all, a most interesting and well made trunk which would look good in any home or commercial setting.

Dimensions: 85cm long. 54cm deep. 32cm high.
Weight: 18 kg
Condition: Scuffs and scrapes commensurate with its 100+ years. Leather carrying handle missing and replaced. Please see photos.
Postage: £100 (2nd class signed for service

Early 20th Century Black Metal Bound Trunk. £375.A seemingly straight forward trunk, all be it a very elegantly crafted one.But on closer inspection, it begins to give up its secrets!Obviously there is the name Barrie Sutcliffe on the top.Along with Rangitata.Rangitata is an area in South Island, New Zealand.But it is also a ship.The RMS Rangitata owned by The New Zealand Shipping Company.Which sailed between London and New Zealand.Which all fits in with the luggage labels.And gives us some tantalising clues when we look up Barrie Sutcliffes name (or more properly Charles Barrie Sutcliffe as per the C.B.S. initials on the top).Records hint that he was born in Halifax, UK, November 1899.He seemed to have made his way to London and there are indication that he enlisted in the RAF/RFC around 1918.Obviously he made his way to New Zealand somehow. Deployment possibly?And then mysterously there is an entry in the New Zealand Police Gazette, 13th February 1929.Wellington - On or about the 21st December last, on warrant for false pretences, C. Barrie Sutcliffe, age about twenty-nine, height about 5ft 8in, salesman and canvasser, fair complexion and hair; usually dressed in a blue suit with double-breasted coat and bowler hat. Accused obtained £8 9s. 6d. from his employer, Jack Sillings, Dominion Portrait Company, by falsely representing that he had received seventeen orders for portraits and was entitled to that amount as commission (with a note that he was arrested 6/3/29).The age is right for our Halifax born lad.So strong evidence that this is the same man.And the RMS Rangitata was launched March 1929.And the luggage labels say April 17th ('Not Wanted' on the luggage labels means that it is 'Hold' baggage).Which would tie in with a homeward voyage from New Zealand back to the UK.Possibly as a result of deportation after his crimes?Or did he do a runner from justice?And then the LEP Transport Ltd label (by car) gives us its final clue, as the destination was Branksome, Bournemouth.Which is where it found its way to me!So many hints at what a history this travel trunk has had!!The case itself is a beautifully patinaed black. Giving it plenty of character!Bounded with thin metal strips, complete with studs.It also has metal corner edge plates for protection.Locks are in good order and working, with a single key present.Leather handle still intact on one end, all be it aged and brittle.With the other end having a replacement, belt style leather handle.Inside, is a light snake skin effect veneer.The cloth straps to keep the lid from falling too far back are broken.It also has a lift out top section with intact cloth straps, in the same light snake effect veneer.All in all, a most interesting and well made trunk which would look good in any home or commercial setting.Dimensions: 85cm long. 54cm deep. 32cm high.Weight: 18 kgCondition: Scuffs and scrapes commensurate with its 100+ years. Leather carrying handle missing and replaced. Please see photos.Postage: £100 (2nd class signed for service

Double Side Les Animaux Sauvages Lithograph Teaching Poster by Edouard Louis Henry-Baudot (French, 1871-1953)
£1200

Not often to the market, this rare survivor of a French classroom is all the more remarkable as it’s double sided.

A lithograph by reknowned French artist Edouard Henry-Baudot(1871-1953), this was produced very early part of the 20th century (1915-1920) by Librairie Delagrave, a Parisian publisher.

On 1 side we have a polar scene with penguins and a polar bear (with a whale in the background).

On the other side we have an African scene with a gorilla and a hippopotamus.

These were educational pieces when world travel was only for the few.
But they are also works of art in their own rights.
And all the more remarkable as a survivor of something which would normally have been disposed of once it was no longer of use.

A double sided frame would make this piece a stunning piece for any room of the house. Or commercial premises.
And at nearly 1 metre across by 84cm high, it’s a centre piece and talking point.
And doubly useful as you can swap it round to mix up the look of the room.

Dimensions: Frame measures 99.5cm across by 84cm tall.
Weight: 1.8 kg
Condition: Various scuffs, marks and nicks commensurate with age and usage as a classroom item. Please see photos.
Postage: £50 (2nd class signed for service MAINLAND UK ONLY)