Travel case, ca. 1785
Because of its French origin, this Knox
family heirloom is believed to be a gift to Henry Knox from his friend, the Marquis de
Lafayette. A brass plate attached to the case contains the address of Eugene H. Ébert et Compie, master jewelers in Paris. It is called le necessaire because it contains everything necessary for travel. Items in the kit include a porcelain tea service fortwo, silverware, perfume and liquor bottles, toilet articles and a sewing kit. Each item has its own compartment in the green leather-lined interior, and many of the compartments have false bottoms in which to hide valuables.
Donated to Montpelier by Henry Thatcher Fowler
Accession number: P-082
