There is some uncertainty as to the origins of this box. The donor, Anne Fairbairn, maintains that her grandfather acquired it while in Egypt in 1915. Possibly this association results from the fact that it has for many years been used to store the brass rose water flask and coffee pot acquired by Reid in the Middle East. However two TIAS valuers have cast doubt on the Arabic origins of this box. John Hawkins has called it a Canton box. Robert Bleakley believes it is of Spanish manufacture.

This box was possibly used by Reid to bring souvenirs back from the Middle East. It has certainly been used to house these objects since Reid's death.
The box has remained in the Reid family since Sir George's death in 1918.

Box, belonging to Sir George Reid, wood/leather/metal, [Egypt/Spain/Canton, 1890-1918]
Wooden box covered in leather, the leather is attached by rows of small metal tacks along all edges. A coloured, painted floral pattern decorates the areas between the rows of tacks, excluding the back panel and base. The box has a hinged lid with round metal rings on the front and top faces of the lid, these were possibly used to guide a leather binding strap. There is a metal lock, without a key, on the upper front of the box. There are also the remains of two metal rings on each short side through which leather straps or handles were presumably threaded. There is one metal reinforcing corner extant, thus it is likely these were positioned on every corner. There is also a metal reinforcing plate that folds over the join from the top to the back face of the lid. The interior is very dirty with debris, and there is a piece of wood wedged at a strange angle between the front and back faces.

Maker: unknown; Egypt; 1890 - 1918

Maker: unknown; Canton, Kwangtung, China; 1890 - 1918

Maker: unknown; Spain; 1890 - 1918


User: Reid, George; Australia

Owner: Reid, George; Australia

97/232/14

1890 - 1918

280 mm

310 mm