Foot locker, other ranks, 1890 (c)

Used by Sergeant Donald Malcolm McKensie, Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders, 1890-1909.

Wood with iron fittings, 1890 (c).

Foot lockers like these were used in barracks during the 19th Century. They were normally kept at the foot of a barrack room bed. At a time when soldiers had few personal possessions, they provided a place where soldiers would keep all of their personal items. They were fitted with locks to prevent theft. This one has the owners name and Regiment name painted on the side.

These lockers were gradually replaced by full size lockers in the years following the First World War, where spare clothes could be hung and other possessions kept.