Historical information

Sea chests held all the worldy belongings of migrant families, when they migrated by ship. Families were eligible for up to two chests depending on the size of the family. From the markings, it appears that there was a second chest, but this is the only chest from this family in our collection. This chest would have been purchased or built by the Zarins family and loaded at the harbour from which the migrant ship left - in this instance that location is unknown. A basic online search reveals that Villach-Austria refers to the DP camp (displaced persons' camp) that the Zarins family originated from. Maybe the chest had been picked up from there, or there were a group of camp residents coming to Australia, we can only guess why this is written on the chest at all.

Physical description

Heavy wooden chest with metal handles on both sides and lid is missing. Metal bands with nails fixed to front and back and sides.

Inscriptions & markings

Villach-Austria, N-196, 2 piece, AUGUSTS ZARINS, Australia (painted on side of chest in white paint, by hand)