Old XXL arched mail transport trunk

When we crossed paths with this beautiful trunk of incredible size, we almost expected to see the ghost of the great houdini come out! But no magician on the horizon since it has ensured for many years the transport of mail between italy and switzerland. Its size is really impressive. Out of the ordinary! It is more than 1.15 m long. Its height and depth exceed 50 cm. For a weight of almost 25 kg. A single word sums it up: exceptional. Its wooden barrel is dressed in zinc, and is circled with wood. Reinforcement slats made of beech wood ensure its robustness. All the jewelry is made of gilded metal. The side handles as well. The inner basket is covered with red and blue vichy print paper. The zinc has been covered with a sublime empire green color, the belt is black. Two central toad clasps make it possible to securely close the trunk. It is also embellished with throat locks at both ends. (this additional security ensured the confidentiality of the mail). They work quite well because there is no need for the key to close them, but... Once engaged, they can no longer be opened. The only way to open them then, is to crochet them with a lot of ingenuity and... Patience! Or to search for the original key. This trunk has traveled a lot and bears the memories: remains of customs and sncf labels, stripes, small bumps, etc. This gives him even more dog and has galloped our imagination. It is an exceptional piece completely "useful" by its size, to which many functions can be attributed. But posed as it is in a decoration, our preference, it will inevitably attract all eyes to it.