Pony Express Trunk
Preserving a Rare Artifact of the Mail Trail
The Pony Express National Museum is honored to preserve a historic trunk once used by a Pony Express rider. The trunk was generously gifted to the museum in November by Mrs. Frances Haywood of Cape Cod, Maine, adding an important personal artifact to the museum’s collection.
The name William Pridham appears on both ends of the trunk, along with an interior label identifying it to Wells Fargo in San Francisco in 1873. After his time as a Pony Express rider, Pridham went on to work for Wells Fargo for more than fifty years, further connecting the trunk to the broader history of mail service in the American West.
A TRUNK WITH A STORY
Trunks of this type were specially designed with internal trays and compartments and were commonly used to transport mail by stagecoach during the early years of the United States Postal Service. This particular trunk reflects years of hard use and long travel, making its survival all the more remarkable.
The trunk was sent for professional conservation in November 2018 and returned to the museum following restoration. It went on public display in February 2019.
CONSERVATION AND RESTORATION
The restoration was completed by Van Witt Fine Art Conservation. Upon evaluation, the trunk was found to be structurally intact but heavily soiled and significantly deteriorated in several areas. The canvas body was stable but stained, while leather components showed signs of rot and decay. Labels, spines, and interior surfaces displayed fraying, rodent damage, and heavy residue from soot, oil, and other contaminants.
The conservation process began with careful removal of surface debris using specialized HEPA-filtered vacuum tools, followed by gentle cleaning with conservation-grade solutions and soft brushes. Loose threads and edges were stabilized to prevent further deterioration and improve overall appearance.
CAREFUL DETAIL WORK
Leather elements were treated to halt rot, reinforced for strength, and sealed for long-term protection. Cracks and flaking areas were painstakingly repaired by hand, one section at a time. Surface abrasions were inpainted using conservation paints matched to the leather’s natural patina.
Brass and copper hardware was polished and sealed, and original paper labels were preserved and reattached to maintain historical integrity.
PRESERVING THE LEGACY
The restoration process took more than two months to complete. Through patience, skill, and expert care, the conservation team successfully stabilized the trunk and reversed decades of wear.
Most importantly, this work ensures the preservation of an artifact connected to the individuals who helped unite a growing nation during a pivotal and uncertain era in American history.
