Sailor's sea chest belonging to Philip H. Caine of Sulby
Date made: 19th century
Maker: unknown
Description: This chest belonged to Philip H. Caine of Sulby. It would have been used to store his personal possessions during a sea voyage. From him it passed to his nephew, then to his great nephew the late Ralph Teare of Castletown, from whom it came to Manx National Heritage.
The wooden chest has a brass hinged lid and brass studded side covers to protect the edges. The initials 'P.H.C.' are scored on the front, below the keyhole. There are rope loop handles at either end for carrying, the rope pattern is a 98 part knot followed round three times (known as Turk's Head). There is a wooden tray at one end of the chest. On the inside of the lid, there are three painted scenes: 'Waterfall at Lowdore' and a clipper at sea entitled 'Homeward Bound' with the three legs of Man in the top two corners and the rose, thistle and shamrock underneath. The third picture is a waterfall with bridge entitled 'Lower fall at Rydal'
Many Manx men and women made their living from the sea. Some were fishermen or worked the coastal trade. Others travelled further afield on long journeys. In their spare time on these journeys men would often decorate their possessions with ornate designs.
Measurements: overall: 49.5 x 120 x 48.5 cm
Materials: iron, paint/oil, wood
Object name: chest
Collection: Furniture Collection
ID Number: 1987-0580
Subject tags : #MM100COLLECTIONS