Posted 10 years ago
Drill
(64 items)
A 32" long, 24" wide ,28" high,H.C. Faber Rawhide combination Theatrical trunk ,Made of rawhide ( leather without the use of tannin,Lyme was used).and canvas covered.It had seen a good deal of travel, It traveled on the oldest railroad in France The Chemins Le Havre 1890 sticker, Adams Express stickers from Ocean city, Buffalo,and Chicago. The Pat. Date is Sept 4th 1883. It has most of it's brass corners,But repairs to the bottom with "Ball" Trunk hardware and one top corner were replaced.
I refinished the exterior canvas with a spot on custom color match of Benjamin Moore paint (pearl finish) Removed multiple layers of Faberrite coating(Fabers own varnish). Polished all the steel nails,Corbin Lock and hardware.
I clear coated the leather with Zinseer clear shellac.I replaced the handles with new leather and handle holders which are not original. The original handles were held in place by two strips of leather. I believe this to be an older model.
I am currently refitting the interior tray which has six destroyed compartments,To accomodate holding Magic tricks. I have painstakingly removed the stickers and will display them" some how" in the interior with some famous Magician lithographs or posters from the turn of the century. to accommodate my nine year olds ambition to be a Magician.This is his new stage table for performing his magic show.I will post more pictures of the interior when completed.
Wow Drill!! You did an incredible job here!! I've not seen a trunk like this until now. Very beautiful and unique!! I'm curious if my big green round top trunk is made by H.C. Faber as well. I say that because it has very similar heavy brass hardware. Your trunk is definitely fab!!!
What a fabulous trunk! The refinish on the metal is just great. This trunk has a wonderful look to it....
Thanks guys ,I still am playing with the interior for the kid.The finish is just a wire wheel on the steel,polish on the brass and clear shellac.You don't get to see #5 latch hardware to often. Scott I looked at your big green round top,I would look at Jim's web site(HMS Trunk as it is the best source for American trunk identification) The labels for WW.Winship have a similar pictures to your trunk,as does Union made ,H.C.Roundtree and a few others.Maybe Jim could help you narrow it down. Hope this helps.
Great find and nice work Drill. I've always liked these Faber trunks and have sold a couple and kept one for my collection too, but still have to do a little work on it. It is very similar to yours. They made these Sample and theatrical trunks extra heavy duty since they were hauled around all over the country. The Winship company ended up buying out the Faber company around 1910 but they continued to use the Faber name. Some of the labels actually have the Faber name and WWW on them. I love the look of the rawhide on these trunks!
Thanks again Marvin, It's nice to bring them back a bit, This thing had seen some hard miles.Doing the interior in some high end brown crushed velour fabric. A little fake alligator fabric as well.I'll post pics when done.As you know they are a lot of time.
Very nice work!!!
I almost bought this trunk myself, it was about an hour south of me.
Sometimes I wonder what happens to the ones I fail to purchase or wait to long on. Glad to see it went into good hands.
Ben
Hi Ben, Thanks for the kind words and yes I often wonder what happens to the ones I pass on. That's why I try to make sure that the good ones that I pass on go to others that can appreciate them.I can't have them all and I can appreciate sharing with others. You can find two currently on Craigslist .The first one is a Small Steamer size Faber in Youngstown Ny. listed under antique trunk. And another full size one listed in Birmingham Alabama on C/List under the same. These
may be far for you Ben,but maybe someone close can save them.Happy trunking!