Expanding Suitcase by Pound

A leather hide Expanding Suitcase by John Pound.

The top of the case has a leather gusset with fixing belts that will expanding as they are lengthened. The case has a fishtail handle and reinforcing leather to the front edge of the corners.
The interior is lined in Manchester ticking and has a separation board to allow clothing to be packed behind it, under the expanding top. The board is decoratively edged in scalloped blue thin leather and has a blue leather wallet to the centre. The wallet is fixed by laces wrapped around brass buttons. The board is fixed to the top by short leather straps and there is a leather butterfly held by a large brass dome stud to aid with opening it. The board also originally had an oval maker's label, now missing. Fortunately, Pound also stamped their name to top edge of the case. It is marked 'John Pound 79-81 Leadenhall St.'

The business was founded by John's father Henry in 1823. Control passed to John by the 1880's and he expanded the business adding further premises. Pound were known for their luggage but also sold a variety of other travel items including campaign equipage. This trunk is also stamped with a decorative circle surrounded by flowers to the top, 'Sole Leather' either side of the handle and the number 50 to the lock flap.

This a good case by one of the better makers. Circa 1890.