Nations Attic 2026 Diving Into History + More
Lot 215:
Description
Offered here is an extraordinary specimen of 19th-century Gothic ingenuity: the “Memento Mori” travel kit, a custom-commissioned ensemble attributed to the workshop of Quincey P. Morris. Designed to safeguard the traveler against both the supernatural threats of the Old World and the very real dangers of hostile men, this kit represents a pinnacle of Victorian-era paranoia and craftsmanship. The collection is housed in a bespoke, coffin-shaped wooden travel case, featuring its original brass hardware, a deep patina, and tax stamps that hint at a long-forgotten history of international passage.The kit’s defensive capabilities are centered around a formidable 1860s-era Bowie knife—a weapon of the American frontier modified with a .38 caliber pistol barrel integrated into the spine of the blade. This "pistol-knife" allowed for a seamless transition from a melee engagement to a lethal discharge with the flick of a finger. To ensure the firearm remained functional, the kit includes a glass vial of .38 caliber lead bullets, a brass bullet mold, a black powder flask, and an 1858-dated percussion cap tin. For more specialized encounters, the kit provides two 9-inch, fire-hardened oak stakes that are stamped "Memento Mori." The heavy wooden handle of the Bowie knife was designed to double as a mallet for driving them home.Spiritual and botanical deterrents are represented in equal measure, reflecting the comprehensive nature of the Morris tradition. The inventory includes a 1892 Travel Bible authorized by the Archbishop of New York, a high-quality Victorian crucifix, a detailed rosary, and a silver-toned mirror. Eight labeled glass vials contain a traditional apothecary of herbal defenses, ranging from Allicin and Wolfsbane to Nightshade and Quickthorn. For safety purposes, the vials have now been emptied. For the direct application of sanctified fluids, the kit features a menacing 9-inch solid brass syringe manufactured by A. Young of Edinburgh, Scotland. This medical instrument was intended to deliver holy water with internal precision.The kit’s practical and provenance-related details are equally compelling. A 19th-century map focusing on the Pass of the “Red Tower” in the Carpathian Mountains is mounted to a magnetic wood base, concealing a hidden compartment for travel documents and spare ammunition. Beneath this map lies a cryptic warning stamped into the wood, a secret intended only for the kit’s owner. The interior is lined in a rich, crimson Victorian-patterned fabric, with each tool secured by custom-fitted compartments and hand-forged metal tension clips. Accompanied by a Cabinet Card of Quincey P. Morris that serves as a master inventory and bears a unique serial number matching the case’s inner frame, this kit has undergone a painstaking sympathetic restoration. It remains a peerless find for any serious collector of militaria, gothic curiosities, or literary lore. The items in the kit are all authentic. The labels on the bottles are contemporary replacements applied during the restoration of this case. A full inventory of this incredible piece is documented in the supplied photos. All items will be shipped with a signature required upon delivery and full insurance either via FedEx or the USPS Priority Mail. Worldwide shipping is available; however, no ocean freight will be offered on large items. Payment via bank wire for customers outside the USA is required. A shipping quote prior to the auction can be provided by emailing your postal code. International bidders are advised that some countries do not allow the importation of knives. Nations Attic is not responsible for shipping charges going or coming back if your country’s customs denies delivery. Rejected items can be consigned into a future sale as there are no refunds.
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