Historical information

This case belonged to Leonard Thomas (VX21070) who was born on 23 Aug 1900 in Cardiff England. By the Second World War, Thomas had emigrated to Australia and was residing in Elwood when he enlisted in Caulfield in 1940. Thomas served during the war as a Private and was discharged on 31 May 1949 from the AIF Mov and Control Group. His full service records are not currently available via the National Archives Australia and so it is unclear whether this case was part of the equipment of his role or a personal item.

Significance

This case contains a number of inscriptions which may aid researchers to understand the life and movements of the owner, Leonard Thomas. The apparent crest is of special interest, suggesting that Leonard Thomas was connected to equine activities though the unavailability of his service records mean this fact is not confirmed. The item has interpretive potential, to discuss matters of equipment, emigration, use of horses during war and possibly leisure activities if the crest is taken as a reference to polo.

Physical description

Horse shoe shaped case in brown leather constructed of a lid and base. Used for storing shirt collars. Lid and base respectively constructed of two pieces of leather (one top and one edge) which are stitched to heavy card interior lining, mustard yellow in colour. The lid and base are held together by a sewn on leather strip and fastened at the top with a metal buckle; the holed strap through which the buckle attaches has broken. This strap in turn passes vertically down the back of the case and underneath (forming the strip which joins the two halves). Exterior base carries handwritten inscriptions, as does the interior lid. Black ink stamps throughout.

Inscriptions & markings

Stamps read "L THOMAS" along an upturned horse shoe, underneath which are possibly clubs and an up-facing arrow. Service number written on side of case reads "VX21070". Handwritten inscription reads "Leonard Thomas/33 [illegible three words]/Cardiff/April 20th 1921." Interior of lid reads "LEONARD THOMAS 5-2-20" with a striped triangle below.