19Th C Georgian Painted Carriage Chest With Gilt Lettering &Ironhinges

Discover a remarkable survival of Georgian transport craftsmanship - a red-painted carriage or wagon chest, once secured to the rear of a coach for travel. Its robust timber body is reinforced by hand-forged iron strapwork, while the lid still bears its gilt signwriting, ingeniously positioned so that the lettering reads correctly when opened. This intelligent detail, along with the deep patination of age, speaks to the enduring skill of 19th-century makers who balanced utility with understated elegance. The traces of worn leather fastening points and the unspoiled, dry surface tell the story of centuries of use and careful preservation. Few examples of such carriage chests survive, making this piece especially desirable for both serious collectors and those seeking authentic statement décor.

Historical Note

Produced in the early 1800s, such travelling chests were essential equipment for horse-drawn carriages - used to store personal belongings, tools, or supplies during long journeys. Each was individually crafted, often painted with identifying numbers or ownership marks. The BoBon No.1 M inscription is typical of the period’s hand-lettered signage, painted in gilt pigment over a red oxide base - a palette favoured for visibility and longevity. Its survival in situ today marks this as an outstanding relic of early English transport design.