THE EDITOR, Sir:
AN ITEM of significant historical value to Jamaica will go on sale in Edinburgh in June at an auction house.
It is a tortoise shell case and two combs, made in Port Royal around 1670. So far as I have been able to find out, only one other is on public view and that is in a museum in the United States. It carries the Jamaican motto and is in impressively good condition, given that it is around 350 years old.
I believe it is of extreme significance to Jamaica's social and economic history. I also believe it should be bought by a museum, or a benefactor of a museum, rather than disappearing into a private collection.
MY WISH
My own interest is merely a wish to see the item returned to a place where its importance can be seen by the widest possible audience.
My late cousin was Dr. Ian Sangster of World's End, with whom I spent many happy times on the island. I do hope that someone can be persuaded to purchase this historical item for the people of your very beautiful island. Would The Gleaner lead the campaign?
I am, etc.,
MAGGIE VAUGHN
darling@btinternet.com,
Edinburgh, Scotland,
Via Go-Jamaica
