Description

Late C18th iron-bound oak silver-chest with provenance and later personalised painted military campaign letter-work. Heavy-duty oak strong-box or 'silver-chest ' which has been employed during distinguished military service by Major General Sir Herbert Jervoise Huddleston M.C,DSO and bar, KCMG,GBE,GCMG. b.1880 d. 1950. Known as one of the last great imperial proconsuls , Major General Huddlestons military career reads like a 'Boys Own' adventure novel. Commissioned into the Coldstream Guards in 1898, he served in the Boer War , World War I , Sudan, and Eastern Command in India. He became Commander for the Baluchistan District in India in 1935 , where this chest obviously served with him.
The C18th oak chest is fitted with a rare patented late C18th "Barrons" lock ,with crowned 'GR' cypher. The significance of which being its extreme level of security and sophistication for the period, and fitted to a chest designed to carry valuable contents (ie .aristocratic or noble silver).
Fitted all-over with iron strapping and double carrying-handles to the ends. Has a gently-domed lid with an iron hasp to cover key-hole (lacks key) The interior void of fitments . The base has been fitted with 3 teak 'sledge' runners which allow the chest to be moved /dragged easily. Has been cleaned and waxed in our workshops.
A great storage chest with significant military historic associations, provenance and decorative value.
W 35"
D 22"
H 26"
England c1790
Established in the Cathedral City of Worcester for over 40 years ,M.Lees&Sons , run by Michael Lees ,have been dealing with public and trade from show-rooms in an early Georgian town-house. We aim to provide a straight-forward approach to our business and build lasting relationships with our customers. As members of the 'London and Provincial Antique Dealers Association' , we provide full descriptive details , date ,authenticity and any available provenance ,with full disclosure of any restoration or repair which may have taken place .
Whether buying for pleasure , decoration or investment, we welcome you to our web-site or premises .
Past projects have included advising clients on forming and disposing of collections , furnishing period properties , hotel and commercial projects , also a shoot-room and lodge .
All goods are available to view and owned by M.Lees&Sons .
If visiting, a telephone call prior is advisable as due to the demands of the business the show-room does not have regular hours . Please feel free to contact us if we can be of assistance .
www.leesantiquesworcester.com.
Tel. 01905 26620 / 07860826218
Located in the centre of Worcester in the shadow of the Cathedral with easy parking nearby. Exit Junction 7 M5 and follow the signs for Worcester Porcelain Museum . Our premises are located 100 metres from the Museum and 50 metres from Pay&Display car-park in nearby King St.
Internal Ref: MLBO 1301