Posted 10 years ago
ameshamilton
(1 item)
My Mom gave this trunk to me as it has been sitting in her attic since the house was built in the late 1800's. It was my great, great grandmothers' trunk and my Mom suggested it could have come over on one of the Mayflower voyages (not sure about that). It definitely isn't in great condition but I can't bring myself to have it restored as I feel it will lose the feel that I love!
This trunk says "I am am old and I have lived!" -- but not Mayflower old. Perhaps around 1890's... at one time a quality leather trunk. Has a certain "feel" to it in its current state. Well there are options in restoration that do not involve a total restoration but rather a "stabilization" of this piece. Thanks for the post and welcome to Collector's Weekly...
Thank you. I have been searching all morning for some sort of information. The time frame sounds correct to me as my great great grab moved to NM from Pennsylvania around 1890. There is some termite damage to the piece but nothing too extensive. I love all of the ornate metal pieces.
This trunk can be salvaged and made to look totally awesome -- the hardware and lock are very nice... not a big fan of its current look but that is a matter of taste...
Maybe the West System while there is something left? Welcome to CyberAsylum or aka CW.
What is the west system? I guess I will need to do some restoration in some areas. I just don't want to erase the history of the piece.
The West System is found around boat/marine stuff. Sometimes wood is too far gone to save & too difficult etc. to replace, so there is a thin 2 part epoxy that soaks into the rotted wood & basically replaces it. Very strong. Forget refinishing after that unless with just paint.