Historical information

This box was made for the Royal Dunkeld School in Scotland to participate in a flag exchange with with the Dunkeld State School No 183 in Victoria, Australia in 1910. It was made from the wood of one of three Larch trees planted in Dunkeld Scotland by the 2nd Duke of Athol from seeds which were brought from the Tyrol. The tree was struck by lightning in 1905 and died over the next few years. It was cut down and some of the timber was used to make the box.

Significance

This box was sent to the Dunkeld State School from the Royal School of Dunkeld, Scotland and part of a state wide flag exchange in Victoria in 1910. Schools were encouraged to contact schools with a similar name. This box contained a Union Jack which was first flown at the Dunkeld, Victoria school on Empire Day 1910. A box made of Australian Ash was sent to Scotland with an Australian flag enclosed.

Physical description

Timber box made from larch wood. Silver shield on the lid and plaque on the front edge of the lid and crossed flags on the front of the box with a portrait of King George 5th and a banner engraved "God Save the King". Handles on the end are brass lions heads with rings through their mouth. Lock keeper is silver in the form of a Maltese Cross.. The lid has bevelled sides and ends and the interior has strengthening bars in the corners and inside the lid is the provenance of the timber.

Inscriptions & markings

On top a shield with a bird and a thistle and the letters RDS. Below this a bannet with the words Forward with Honour.
On the front bevel of the lid a plaque with "Presented to Dunkeld State School Victoria Australia from Dunkeld Royal H.G. School Scotland 24th may 1910.
On the front. Banner with God save the King.
Crossed flags representing either the Union Jack or the Scottish Saltair and the Australian Flag and a medallion with the head of King George 5th in relief.