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Large wooden upright trunk with an Orient Line luggage tag for SS ORSOVA
Large wooden upright trunk with an Orient Line luggage tag for SS ORSOVA

Large wooden upright trunk with an Orient Line luggage tag for SS ORSOVA

Date1930s
Object number00047848
NameTrunk
MediumWood, metal, leather
DimensionsOverall: 1050 x 510 x 565 mm, 41 kg
ClassificationsClothing and personal items
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Caroline Clatworthy
DescriptionThese two painted wooden trunks open to reveal pull out drawers, hanging racks and storage compartments, and were used by Anne and Max Rabin in the 1930s.HistoryThe two steamer trunks were used in the 1930s by Anne Rabin, who was a buyer for David Jones and regularly travelled overseas for her work. Anne was born in Melbourne and married Max Rabin at the beginning of World War II. The trunks have luggage tags attached from a voyage undertaken by Anne and Max Rabin on the Orient liner SS ORSOVA. ORSOVA was launched on 14 May 1953 and departed on its maiden voyage from London to Australia on 17 March 1954. It had accommodation for 681 first and 813 tourist class passengers. ORSOVA completed the Orient Line's first round-the-world cruise in 1955, sailing from London to Australia through the Suez Canal, then across the Pacific to the west coast of America, returning to Tilbury via the Panama Canal. ORSOVA was repainted white in 1964 and transferred to the ownership of P&O the following year. It was used extensively for cruising through the early 1970s and was broken up in 1974.SignificanceTravelling trunks have always been an evocative symbol of the long sea voyages taken by millions of migrants and travellers in the 20th century. These two steamer trunks are typical of trunks of the 1930s, which opened out for use as a wardrobe and chest of drawers.