Regency Studded Leather & Metal Bound Trunk Samuel Pratt

This is a good Regency period leather studded trunk by S & H Pratt, Imperial Carriage Trunk Makers dating from around 1820. The firm manufactured campaign beds, military chests and camp equipment and held the Royal warrant by appointment to King George IV.

This chest is a fine example and in really great antique condition with much charm and character. The brass studding is all complete and in a decorative design to the leather panels which are framed with pinned metal brace corners and edges. This has its original cloth lining in good condition with manufacturers label to the lid.

The trunk measures 99 cms wide 59 deep by 34 high.

Provenance:

Pratt, Samuel, Henry & Samuel Luke

London; upholders, invalid furniture and camp equipage manufacturers, cabinet makers & furniture dealers (fl.1813–78)

Samuel Pratt senior was listed as a ‘Trunk maker’ at 119 Holborn Hill (1815) and had another shop at 40 Holborn by 1819.

S. & T. Pratt, ‘Trunk Manufacturers’ were recorded at 123 New Bond Street and at 19 Cockspur Street (1832-46) and the firm later concentrated the business solely at the New Bond Street address. In September 1822, Samuel was awarded a patent for ‘the certain improved straps or bands, to be used for securing luggage upon chaises or coaches’.

Henry was listed as ‘patent travelling wardrobe, portmanteau & camp equipment manufacturer’ at 19 Cockspur Street and 123 New Bond Street (1852), whilst Samuel Pratt jnr. was listed separately as an ‘importer of ancient furniture & armour’ at the New Bond Street address (1840s); and as ‘cabinet maker and importer of antique furniture’ (1852); and ‘antique furniture dealer’ in 1860 & 1870.

Henry Joseph Pratt (trunk maker) at 123 New Bond Street’ was declared bankrupt in May 1855 and this may have led to him leaving the partnership because he is recorded as the manager of the ‘Gallery of Antiquities and Ancient Furniture’ of Samuel Clare in 1859.