Watajoy S. (Clarke & Co. Ltd). - 大號行李箱

Description

The Artifact & The V-2 Survivor
An exceptional 1937 "Compactum" wardrobe steamer trunk by the prestigious London maker, Watajoy (S. Clarke & Co. Ltd). Stamped deeply into the original thick leather side handle is the maker's date code "7 37", confirming production in July 1937. The trunk features its original pull-out metal hanging rail and a full complement of original wooden hangers, a rare find for a piece of this age.

Remarkably, it retains a partial Great Western Railway (GWR) shipping label from Smithfield Goods, London. In March 1945, the Smithfield Goods station was completely destroyed by one of the last German V-2 rockets to strike London. This intact label proves the trunk travelled through this historic underground depot prior to its destruction, surviving the WWII bombings before it ever began its military career.

The Provenance: Brigadier Brian S. Burditt (CBE)
Following its early railway life, the trunk was acquired for military use. The exterior features the bold, hand-painted military identification: "MAJ B.S. BURDITT - DEPOT R.R.F. - SUTTON COLDFIELD".

This trunk became the personal property of Brian Sedgley Burditt (Service No. 403894) of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers. The markings date to late 1968, when then-Major Burditt served as the Commander of the Regimental Depot in Sutton Coldfield. Burditt went on to have a distinguished career in military intelligence and diplomacy, eventually rising to the rank of Brigadier. He most notably served as the British Defence Attaché to Seoul, South Korea, during a highly sensitive period of the Cold War (1982–1985) and was later awarded the CBE.

Condition Note
Presented in authentic, unrestored field condition. The trunk is structurally sound hinges do not lock and the original interior drawers and hangers intact. The exterior shows authentic travel wear, scuffs, and a beautiful patina consistent with over 80 years of history. The main latch functions smoothly, though the original key is no longer present.

Historical Verification / References:

•The London Gazette (Official Records for Brian Sedgley Burditt, No. 403894)

•Senior Army Appointments Document (Confirming Defence Attaché posting, Seoul 1982-1985)

•Royal Regiment of Fusiliers Regimental Handbook (Confirming Depot Command, 1968-1969)