Posted 10 years ago
chrcha26
(1 item)
I have twins that just had their first Christmas, so needless to say we are now overloaded with toys. In the interest of not buying box store junk for them, I decided I was going to build them a toy box. Before I set off to Home Depot I decided to check the classifieds and found this trunk. It definitely needs work to bring it back to original condition and even more if I'm going to make it kid friendly. Just trying to find out what kind of trunk it is and from what time period. Also, weather or not to give it to kids, or keep for Mom and Dad. I was told it was purchased from an estate sale in Missouri, but can't offer any other information. I'm not able to find any identifying markings on it either. Thanks in advance.
Edit: I just found on the fasteners at the top "PATD MAR 1680." It's very hard to read, so the "D" may be something else. I'm assuming that's patented march of 1680?! I've uploaded a picture of it.
Edit 2: Just found this bit of information online. Pat. Mar.16,'80, for March 16, 1880. So, I believe I'm in the 1880's, but still don't know what brand of trunk it is.
Looks like a standard late 1890's to early 1900's dome top trunk. The patent date does not always correspond to the date of the trunk as patents were used for many years. Without a makers label you will be hard pressed to know the maker -- there were many making this type and style of trunk and the parts were often purchased from independent suppliers and not the trunk makers themselves. You will need to kid proof this by ensuring the latches will not close on the lid or the lid slam on little fingers. Cleaned up they make nice decorative pieces for any room -- every home should have at least one!
Thanks. I'm really excited about it. I'm thinking I'll probably end up taking it apart and refinishing it, but I don't want to do any damage if it's valuable. And, if I do need to replace any parts, I'd like to make sure they're from the same time. But, mainly I'd like to make it functional for my kids and they can figure out what to do with it in 30 years.
Thanks Trunkman. That's pretty much the conclusion I was coming to after doing some research. I did find on the lock another number "PAT MAR 69" with stars on both sides. Does that change anything about your previous comment?
Any advice about finding anything identifying on it?
There is not a high value on this trunk so feel free to make it into what you want. The earlier patent date does not change my assessment of age -- however there are experts on this site who will correct me if I am off on this. That style of lock was used for a long time and is on many trunks over many years. The only thing that will give you info on this trunk is the hardware -- you can look up the patent dates and find who made the hardware -- but that is not who made the trunk and it is just too common a style to decipher as it stands. Having a general idea of date and style is about as far as one can go on this. Certain trunk makers do have distinguishing hallmarks of style or hardware but not this one. Hope this helps a bit -- nice find and good luck with it!
I appreciate your input. Wasn't expecting much out of it anyway. I picked it up for $20. I'll start fixing it up for the kids tomorrow. Thanks a lot.
By the way welcome to Collectors Weekly and I hope you post the results of your efforts -- we love before and after pics!
Will do. Thanks!