Suitcase

Object Name:

Suitcase

Object ID:

2010.010.02

Place of Origin:

New England/England

Date:

1870-1890

Description:

Carpet bag. Pear shaped. Machine-manufactured Brussels carpet; uncut loops of worsted wool yarn pulled through jute canvas. Hand stitched. Two-panel construction, sides seamed, stitched around hinged iron frame. Pattern of bouquet of roses arranged in a bowl with symmetrical flowering vines radiating from bottom to top, green ground, bowl of red, peach, and white, roses of white, tan, pink red, and brown with black outline. Two black patent leather handles, one on each side. Round brass lock base attached to bag front, matching latch stitched to patent lather strip; key tied to string on handle. Iron hinged frame opening, edged with patent leather. Green cotton lining with machine-stitched pocket hand stitched to bag interior. Black oil cloth bottom, two 1" diameter brass, possibly cellulose-cored, foot rests. Owned by Melvin F. Colby (1871-194?) of Claremont, NH, great grandson of Anthony Colby. Accompanied by piece of original lining inscribed in ink, "Melvin Colby, Hopkinton", and by pencilled note, "Stella W. Colby relined this bag for M. F. Colby (Jr.) to carry his music in to old folks concert that he conducted at Claremont Opera House (in costume) - see large old photo in hall drawer."

Material:

Textile
Wool
Leather
Metal
Brass

Dimensions:

H-14.5 W-18.5 inches

Provenance:

Owned by Melvin F. Colby, Jr., who was born in 1865 in Hopkinton, NH, son of Melvin and Hannah Colby, and great grandson of Anthony Colby (1792-1873). He moved to Claremont, NH, in the late 19th century, where he worked as a machinist. He married Stella W. Colby. Purchased by dealer at a sale in New Hampshire prior to 2010.

People:

Colby, Melvin F. (1871-194?), Colby, Stella W. (1865-1939)

Subjects:

Roses, Music, Textiles, Weaving, Bags, Carpet bag, Carpets, Stripes, Jute, Wool, Leather goods, Brass work, Patent leather