Victoria Voyage Trunk (c. 1857-1862) Ht = 460mm; wth = 460mm; lnth = 700mm A rare survivor of New Zealand’s early European migration history. This antique metal travel chest was used on a mid-19th-centruy migration voyage from Britain to New Zealand. The original stenciling on the lid reads: “Wanted on Voyage. Berth 20 Poop. Miss M. Riddell. Saloon Passenger. Per GT Britain. To Lyttleton NZ via Melbourne. No. 9.” Historical Significance: "Per GT Britain" refers to the steamship SS Great Britian, one of the important passenger vessels of the Victorian era. The ship carried thousands of migrants to Australia and NZ between approx. 1852 and 1875. "Saloon"-class travel suggests a middle or upper-class passenger, often a governess, teacher or companion.
Likely voyage window based on the stenciling and known ship movements suggests the voyage was most likely between 1857 and 1862, during the peak of early Canterbury settlement. Condition: original stenciling intact; no significant rust or dents; broken hasp (common for age). Pick up from Hamilton, NZ.