Historical information

This box comes from the Swinton collection and belonged to Alex Swinton. The Swinton family are a pioneering family in Warrnambool with William and Ann Swinton arriving in the town in 1854. Swinton businesses (stores selling furnishings, produce, hardware, clothing, glassware etc.) have been important in Timor Street, Warrnambool since 1865 and are among the oldest family businesses in Australia. Alexander Swinton (1907-1986) was the son of George and Florence Swinton of Merri Crescent Warrnambool. He attended Warrnambool Technical School in the early 1920s.

Significance

This box is of minor interest as a memento of Alexander Swinton, a prominent member of a prominent Warrnambool family.

Physical description

This is a rectangular-shaped wooden box. It has a rough surface base suggesting that it once was covered in some type of cloth. The top and the sides have a brown varnished surface with a marbled finish. The remains of a metal plaque are in the centre of the top. The inside of the box suggests that it was originally padded to fit a particular object. The lid has two metal hinges and the two catches on the side are metal. Some lettering inside is encased in the outline of a shield and a triangle.

Inscriptions & markings

Union Case …. Trade Mark
H.Coward (or Goward)