Steamer chests were used on steamboats to transport luggage. Steamer chests were intended to be stored vertically and were able to be opened vertically on long voyages.
This steamer chest belonged to Dr. Murphy (1905 - 1981) who was the first doctor of Emerald. It is believed to have belonged to his mother, Mary Murphy. Dr. Murphy's father, Sir Stephen James Murphy, was in the Indian Civil Service (1898 - 1935) serving in various positions including as the Justice of the High Court of Bombay. The chest appears to date from the early 1900s.
This item is significant as it belonged to Dr. Murphy who was an esteemed Emerald GP and local person. It also gave insight into how people of the upper class would have travelled.
Large steamer chest with wooden slats. Leather over wood exterior. Fabric interior. Leather straps. Decorative metal edging. Containing a hanging frame and a hanger. Lump on top of the chest. Chest made by Murrells & Becker. Lock made by Corbin Cabinet Lock Co.
On top painted: "M. MURPHY/ BOMBAY"
On lock engraved: "CORBIN CABINET LOCK CO. NEW BRITAIN CONN. USA"
Sticker on interior lid: "MURRELLS & BECKER / MELBOURNE & BRISBANE TRAVELLING GOODS MANUFACTURERS / QUEEN ST BRISBANE / COLLINS ST MELBOURNE"
Sticker on right side: "P - .CO / NOT WANTED VOYAGE"
dr. murphy, steamer chest, bombay, stephen murphy, emerald, doctor, 1900s
