Posted 10 years ago
TrunkMeMaw
(1 item)
I have this old trunk that is 30"w x 26"h x 17"d that I can't searched for years and can't find ANYTHING about it anywhere. Metal label on top says "This trunk is THE No 423 HC Faber & Son Co." Paper label on top looks like HUTZ.... not legible on first line, Jewelry .... not legible on second line, with third line W Baltimore St.
It has an enclosed compartment in the lid of the trunk where you release the metal tab on front of trunk and the compartment drops down. I am attaching several pictures that hopefully peak someones knowledge. I am grateful for any info that anyone can offer. Thank you, Emma Woodfell
Hello, H.C. Faber & sons was a company that was started sep. 14 1883 specialized in theatrical and sample trunks for salesmen. they are probably best known for the Utica "Raw Hide " combination trunks . They did do telescoping cases and trunks covered in coal tar. some trunks are made of sole leather.The Newton professional was another model .According to an article I found dated 1918 they were located on meadow street in Utica Ny. across the street was A. W. Winship Trunk factory which they did own as well.When this merger took place I do not know?They were located in both Boston and New york . As to your trunk I believe I have seen the model 423 only once before. maybe it was a sample trunk for the jeweler listed on the side. Just a wild guess.Thanks for the post and good luck with this quality piece from the past.
The name is Hutzler Jewelry Co. Hutzler was a large retail store that started out in 1858. The trunk is a sample trunk for the jeweler. The tray catch is is very interesting and I have seen it only a few times. I own that catch myself as I was lucky enough to get one in a lot of parts I bought. The trunk appears to be canvas covered with rawhide binding and is from around 1910-1920 or so.
Drill, the Newton Professional was made by WH Newton & son, and was probably sold through Faber. Also, wher did you get your info on the coal tar covered trunks?
Thanks,
Jim
hmsantiquetrunks.com
Awesome!!! Quick Response from two very thoughtful people. Thank you so much for the information on my trunk. Your input is GREATLY appreciated.
Jim. Is there a way that I can see if it is canvas covered with rawhide? It is quite heavy, so would it be made of wood, then canvas and then rawhide. I'm confused!!
Thanks,
Emma
All trunks are a wood box covered in either paper, canvas, leather, metal, fiber, hair, rawhide, alligator, etc.. you get it. The body of yours is covered with canvas (Duck cloth) and the edge binding is rawhide. Look closely at the edging and you will see the original color as being close to white. (someone painted everything black). You might want to post some larger (pixels) pictures and add one of the whole trunk.
Jim
hmsantiquetrunks.com
Hello Jim,
Let me just say that your research and trunk knowledge far exceeds my own and your site rules. Thanks for all that you contribute and the info on W.H.Newton.
So if you Goggle -coal tar trunk images and an H.C. Faber trunk image very similar to the one my grandfather owned will pop up.I have been searching for one of these highly toxic relics for a while,for sentimental reasons. Another source would be page 41 of Antique Trunks price and identification guide written by Linda Edelstein and Paul Pat Morse. 2003 two fine examples of Pebbled leather -(coal Tar produces this textured effect apparently when slathered on in 1865 as an added waterproofing to the trunk.They are rare!
That is what we collect,Thus my interest.
Coal tar was Discovered by William H.Perkins in 1850s uses for waterproofing textiles and in an article July7,1871 Colours from coal tar chemicals they speak off how fabric aniline dyes purple, mauve reds and blacks are made.
Another cool history is given if you look up National aniline chemical co. 1918 .Of just how many textile industries were using coal tar on the hudson river. and further north in Utica I would imagine.19 14 war broke out and only 7 coal tar dye manufacturers remained The Rensselaer plant was one.Aniline color works Ca. 1915 another. Sole leather trunks used it in the chemical tanning process. Winship made sole leather trunks. Faber owned Winship ( just work'n the puzzle.)Probably reaching a bit too. Apparently dye companies were putting that toxic colored dye even into our cherished lithographs and paper to get good color. ( Don't lick those stamps and don't let the kids eat the trunk paper)
I have only seen two other examples of H.C. Faber coal tar trunks.
2 years ago in Mason Indiana for $600 on C/L in mint restored condition .Another one( large vaudeville with patches every where) listed in Sweedsboro nj around 4 years ago. I almost bought it but the back side was destroyed so I passed.
If I find other images I will send them to you.
Drill. Please call anytime when you get a chance. I have some information for you.
Jim
hmsantiquetrunks.com
408-691-4264
Ok. Jim But you and I ,will never get off the phone.
Hello! I just found an antique trunk from my hometown Cortland, NY. The plate on it says W.H. Newton and Sons Cortland NY. Could you give me a ball park of the value before I make an offer. I appreciate your time!!
Kelley
Kelly -- we do not give evaluations for purchase on this site -- and without a picture of the trunk in question the ball park expands into the parking lot and beyond. Best bet is to look for comparables via internet sales sites -- lots to compare on that front and good luck!