This fine leather case lined in blue cloth was the once the property of Mr F. H. Halpen (or Halpin), a purser aboard the East Indiaman Farquharson.

The Asiatic Journal records three voyages where Mr Halpin was purser:

1. 1828-29 – to Bengal and China
2. 1830-31 – to Bengal and China
3. 1832-33 – to Bombay and China.

The H.E.I.C.S. Farquharson at 1300 tons was one of the larger vessels chartered by the East India Company, she is known to have undertaken 6 voyages to the Far East, under the direction of Captain Christian Lockmer.