Posted 10 years ago
Colliemom
(2 items)
I found this trunk sitting by the curb this week. I would love to find out more about it and how to best restore it for use in my home. Thank you
Steamer Trunk | ||
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Steamer Trunk | ||
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Posted 10 years ago
Colliemom
(2 items)
I found this trunk sitting by the curb this week. I would love to find out more about it and how to best restore it for use in my home. Thank you
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You have found a lovely "basic model" trunk from the late 1880's to late 1890's. Unfortunately the "shellack" on it has now deteriorated and leave you with two options. You could try to remove the old shellack with a chemical paint stripper, but I do not know if you will lose the paper under it in the attempt. You could always try a piece at the back to see if you can scrap off the shellack with the stripper and not damage the paper underneath. This may be possible -- and then you can re-varathane it after. If not you could strip off all of the old paper on it but it will lose some character if you do, but will still look nice. Or you can clean it up and varnish the whole thing again... it will at least look better and preserve it in its present state. Slats can be refinished with same paint stripper and steel wool and stained or not to your taste. Gun oil the steel banding to get a better look and clean up the rust. There are links to restoring old trunks out there for more info. Good luck and nice find! One last thought -- you could exacto knife the black lines to keep them and remove all the interior paper -- leave the paper lines on it as it gives it character. Well you are free to experiment with this one...
Yes eye -- the word you are looking for is "Trunkmonkey" -- I believe -- Colliemom -- most of my early acquisitions were also curbside so "mr. beauty" here is referencing this well established fact. We do like to have a bit of fun on this site too... Welcome to Collector's Weekly....
Thank you so much for the insight and humor as well. I have always been fascinated by these trunks. I was very surprised to see it sitting out for the trash. Do have any advice on safely getting rid of the smell inside it? Would it be best to remove the paper? There is no evidence of mold at all. I would also like to find replacement leather handles. How were these trunks most commonly used?
You can't beat that price. LOL
Here are some links that might help you get a start on your project. Tips and tricks on refinishing things, hardware, etc. Hope this helps.
http://www.brettunsvillage.com/trunks/howto/parts/
http://www.trunk.com/index.html
http://stevensantiquetrunks.com/book.html
http://www.legacytrunks.com/
Thank you so much for all the help.
My newest trick for killing smells inside of trunks is putting a bar of Dove soap inside for a few days. You will be amazed!
What an incredible find Colliemom!! I've got a lot of trunks and bought a lot of trunks, but have never been so lucky as to find one curbside (had one given to me once though). This trunk has so much potential. It looks like a very solid trunk still. You've definitely done a very good deed by rescuing this one. I'm anxious to see you post your finished product.