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19th century antique J Grieve & Sons naval trunk
A wonderful 19th century English rustic antique naval trunk, with a rare and fascinating history. Made from pitch pine, with iron banding supports and corner pieces. Each side has a drop handle. The trunk is covered in beautifully worn pale blue paint, which is dry and unwaxed. The brass plaque on the top is engraved R F P Maton, RN. The brass lock plate bears maker's name J Gieve and Sons, Portsmouth. The trunk is secured when open by its original brass hinges and inside there is a candle stick holder attached to the top so that anyone opening it in the dark had could see what they were looking for.
History ~ Reginald Foster Pitt Maton, was born in Kensington on 30 May 1886 and died 21 February 1965. He married Margaret Isobel Onslow in 1923.
Maton had an illustrious career serving in the Royal Navy. It was reported in The London Gazette on 24 April 1908 that he had been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. He was Captain of HMS Kite (1915-1916). In King George V 1918 Birthday Honours list, which was published in June of that year, Maton (who was then a Lieutenant Commander), was appointed Officer of The Order of The British Empire (OBE). He later became a Commander and prominent Royal Navy figure, involved in, for example the Board of Enquiry into the sinking of HMS ‘Hood’ by the ‘Bismark’ in 1941.
J Gieves & Sons made the trunk. Their origins date to the late 18th century as their company was the result of various amalgamations of different naval outfitter businesses over several generations. Galt & Gieve offered their first naval trunk in 1854. It was the perfect piece of luggage to transport not only uniforms, but all the other requirements of an officer - from toiletries to telescopes. In 1887 James Gieve became the sole owner but he died only a year later so the company was run by his sons. James Watson Gieve played an important role going forward and capitalised on the business opportunities which arose from the increasing size of the Navy in the second half of the 19th century. In 1891 they showed their wares at the Royal Naval Exhibition in Chelsea under the name J. Gieves & Sons, Late Galt, Gieve & Co.
By the early 1900s the vast majority of Royal Navy cadets purchased their kit from Gieves. Their business was consolidated by the introduction of credit facilities and the expansion of branches to other major British ports and where possible they bought out rival suppliers. They arrived at New Burlington Street in London in 1901.
In 1904 Charles Matthews joined the business and it became known as Gieve, Matthews & Seagrove Ltd, reflecting the related businesses he brought with him. In 1916, the company name changed once more - this time to Gieves Ltd. Following on from World War II they were forced to adapt and started focussing on the civilian market. Hawkes, another London business also needed to adjust to the changing times. Gieves acquired Hawkes in 1974, as both companies had strong reputations their amalgamation gave them a new lease of life - Gieves and Hawkes are probably the most famous of the London tailors and still highly regarded today.
Ref The Peerage
Christopher Clarke Antiques
Condition ~ Good antique condition. Many losses to the paintwork and marks to the interior but the trunk is strong and sturdy.
