A rugged stacked wooden travel chest in its original black painted finish, bearing the inscription “W.L. Dunning – Port Sudan” for the Colonial Development Corporation. The piece is built in two separable sections, each with double doors, exposed iron strapping, and original side handles. The interiors are bare timber, revealing honest construction, and the whole rests on later castors to ease its movement. Worn edges, surface wear and weathering hint at a lifetime of travel and heavy use — a storied storage piece with both presence and provenance.
Details:
- Era: mid-20th century (circa Colonial / post-colonial period)
- Origin: United Kingdom / Colonial Africa context
- Materials: Painted timber (likely pine or similar), iron strapping, cast iron hardware, brass nails, castors
- Dimensions: Each section measures: Height 60 cm × Width 107 cm × Depth 57 cm 
- Condition Notes: Paint is worn and chipped in many areas, exposing substrate beneath. Iron straps and hardware have surface rust and patina. Doors and hinges are functional, though with visible age marks. Castors are later additions.
- Provenance / Story: Commissioned for or used by W.L. Dunning, bearing the label of Port Sudan and connected to the Colonial Development Corporation. The chest likely accompanied long journeys or shipments, used for rugged transport and storage.
- Care Tips: Clean with a dry, soft cloth; avoid strong detergents or water exposure. Use microcrystalline wax sparingly to protect bare wood edges. Retain oxidation and patina on metal parts; only remove loose rust carefully. Periodically check castors and fixings, tightening if necessary