Tea Chest with links to Tea Plantation in Cylon and Certificate given to owner.

A chest with a lot of history behind it.

Owned by the Salmond family who ran a Tea Plantation in Ceylon, Sri Lanka.

Comes with a delightful CERTIFICATE to C.G. Salmond Esq & Family, Doloswella Estate, Nivitigala on 31st May 1949

It is lovingly written by the 'Subordinate staff" and states:

"We the members of the Subordinate Staffs serving under you, in view of the approaching departure from our midst on retirement, beg to take this opportunity to show you – though in a most inadequate manner – the high respect and esteem in which you are held by us.

We most generously express our sincere appreciation of gratitude to you under whom we had the pleasure of serving for the past four years. You have been a Master who not only look to the interest of the Estate, but also to the welfare of the Subordinate Staffs and the Labour Force. By precept and example as well as by your kindness and consideration for us, you have won our loyalty and respect, mainly due to your ripe experience and sound judgement.

Therefore, we deeply regret your departure from us and we wish you and your family a long, hale and hearty lives of peace and plenty."

There were several members of the Salmond family who were at the various estates in Ceylon.

The chest was owned by Mrs. Salmond who travelled from Exeter to Cape Town, South Africa via Ellerman Lines shipping.

Labels show details including that it was stored in the hold and not required during voyage.

It is of Strong construction and comes with the original clasps.

Dimensions are:

In cm:   99 x 60 x 50 high

In inches:  39 x 23.5 x 19.5 high

Poor