Posted 11 years ago
Josephaugust
(1 item)
Found in a attic... Not sure the make and value. It belonged to my father-inlaw's great grandfather. Any help would be great! Joe
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You have a nice early 1900's flat top trunk. It has nice hardware on it including front guides on the lid. It is a standard make and model made by many companies at the time so without a label it will be hard to know what company manufactured it. It looks like it is trimmed on the sides with vulcanized fiber that looks like leather but is much more durable and the colour washes out just a little over time.
Thank you so much! I looked for a label but I was unsuccessful. Thanks again!
You are most welcome -- and welcome to collectors weekly... it is a nice trunk and a bit of soapy water and a cloth on the canvas will help clean it up a bit... It terms of value you should see similar ones on your local classifieds (well kijji to be specific) or dreaded ebay...
Very nice trunk Josephaugust! I have to disagree a little with Trunkman, as this is not a standard model. This "model" has 4 heavy strap hinges (less expensive trunks would have 3, even on this size trunk), 2 center bands, and a double row of nails on the corner binding. Also note how close the nails are together. The Duck canvas, and slats are of a high quality, and the hardware is heavy and well made. Also, look carefully at the lock receiver. Look different? It is. It does not mount on the front in the typical way with four nails. It is either recessed into the wood, and then the canvas put over it, or they are using a Crouch & Fitzgerald patent of 1884. (patent # 295,987) This patent uses a two piece receiver where the outside and inside haves thread together, and then the inside half secured with two nails. This allows the receiver to be used on any thickness wood, and make for a cleaner look on the outside of the trunk. I have seen these on several C&F trunks, but it could have been used on other makers as well. As far as the fiber binding washing out, I have found fiber to be quite durable in both toughness, and color retention. If it appears hazy I would first try Mink oil to moisten it, which will also brighten the color. I have also used leather dyes topped with a clear coat, or shoe polish to bring out the color.
Have fun, and is there and intact interior? Post a picture if there is.
Thank you,
Jim Cardoza
HMS Antique Trunks
Jim...thanks for such a detailed description of the trunk! Yes the interior is intact and I will post a few pics later today. And thanks for the tips on cleaning the trunk, I was curious about that! Joe
Jim -- it is always great to hear from you and learn a little more -- feel free to correct me anytime -- you are way ahead of me in knowledge and I am eager to learn too!!
Jim and Trunkman... I posted a few pics if the interior. Sorry for the photos, still trying to figure out how to post them. Thanks again to the both if you for all of this great info!!! Joe
Wow that is a really nice interior -- Jim was right -- more than just a standard trunk with this kind of detail inside. Thanks for the look...
Trunkman, thanks for your feedback!