Major Perrott's Campaign Trunk

This leather on softwood trunk was made by John Carman of 20 Marylebone, Golden Square.

The trunk has tin corners and edging with numerous studs for strength and decoration. There are loops to take belt straps, iron carrying handles to the sides and it sits on low sledge feet. The interior is lined in linen and the inside of the lid has Carman's label with his Marylebone address. Click on John Carman's name above to learn more about the maker.

The inside of the lid also has an ink inscription noting Herbt C Perrott Esqre. Woolwich Arsenal Station SER. Kent England. The exterior of the lid has a P formed of studs in an oval with a brass label below stamped East Kent Militia and then a paper label stating Major H.C. Perrott 3rd East Kent Regt. Camp Shorncliffe. Given Herbert's dates it is likely that he inherited this trunk from a relative. His father Edward was also in the East Kent Militia becoming a Captain in 1839 but it is probable that the trunk was originally bought by Edward's father, Edward Bindloss Perrott. He was born in 1784 or 1785 and became an Ensign in the Royal West Middlesex Militia at the age of 25. He died in 1859. His dates would tie in with Carman's dates for the address on the label.

Herbert started his army life as an Ensign in the 21st Kent Rifle Volunteers, becoming a Captain in the East Kent Militia in 1876. He eventually went onto become the Lieutenant Colonel commanding the 3rd battalion of the regiment. He was also chief secretary of The St. John's Ambulance Association. This is a typical trunk of the early 19th century but has added interest for being by a rare maker and for its former owners. Circa 1825.