This is the place to come to learn about Avery style needle cases.

Trunk with Grain and Straps

Trunk with Grain and Straps 
needle case
Needle Case (photographs from eBay)


Design Representation

Design Details

Needle Case Type:

Figural

Patent/Registered to:

Charles James Carr - Liverpool

Patent/Design Representation #:

Ornamental Class1: Metal: #337116 (Provisional Design #1612 registered March 28, 1879)

Patent/Design Registration Date:

July 12, 1879

Location of Patent/Design Registration:

The National Archives (TNA) - Kew, UK

Reference #:

TNA Representation - BT 43/45/337116
TNA Register - BT 44/4/337116

Dimensions:

5.7 x 3.5 x 4

Material:

Brass

Name Variations:

a) Wm. Hall & Co. – Studley
b) W. Avery & Son - Redditch (the sole source of this information is Horowitz and Mann as no example of this needle case with this company name has been seen by the authors of this website)

Other Variations:

None

Additional Photographs

Front with clasp and side views

Back with hinge and top views

Interior and bottom detail

Bottom signature detail

Facts

A trunk is a large, sturdy box with a hinged lid used to store or transport clothing, personal effects and other possessions.  They are usually made of wood, leather, canvas or metal and often have reinforced metal corners for additional strength.  A lock is located on the front center with several drawbolts positioned between the lock and the trunk’s edge to secure the lid to the base.  Leather straps with buckles frequently surround the trunk, one on each side of the lock plate, providing extra security to prevent the lid from accidently opening.  Leather or metal handles for carrying are attached to the sides.

Trunk facts

History

Trunk history

Although trunks have been around for centuries, most of the ones seen today date from the late 18th century to the early 20th century.  Large trunks were primarily used for travel away from home for long periods of time.  When “steamer” trunks first appeared in the late 1870’s their height could be no taller than 14 inches so they could fit under the berths in trains or the bunks in steam ships.  During these years many immigrants left Europe with a trunk containing all of their possessions for a new life in the USA, Canada, Australia or New Zealand.  Large trunks for travel were replaced by lighter suitcases in the 20th century once travel by airplane reduced the time it took to travel from one distant place to another, requiring travelers to carry less clothing and other personal items.

Trunk history

Miscellaneous

Suitcases are the most common luggage used today and they come in many different varieties, sizes and colors.  Many have small built-in wheels and telescopic handles so that can be pushed or pulled easily without the assistance of a porter or luggage handler.  Others are designed with shoulder straps so they can be taken on board airplane flights as carry-on-luggage protecting fragile items such as computers and cameras.  Some designs are made in such a way that the suitcase is expandable for travelers who purchase additional items during their journey.

Trunk history