Posted 10 years ago
valsamuels…
(1 item)
I was given this old trunk about a month ago by a friend who used it for her horse items she used it for. It says on lock Yale and towne conn USA, I was told it was a rainfall top? 1930's? This is what one told me. Any more info would be great! Measurements are 22 1/2x32x18 1/2
More people would call it a "waterfall" or "monitor" style of trunk. Looks to date around the 1890's. Lovely trunk and welcome to Collector's Weekly..
Thank you so much! I will be cleaning it up. Would it hurt value or anything if I would try to restore it?
Restoring them usually adds value so enjoy sprucing it up!
Don't worry about value when working on trunks. The fun is in the skills you learn and in bringing something back to life. The waterfall designation refers to the rounded top edge like rock worn smooth at the top of a waterfall.
Thank you tahoetrunk! I appreciate all the help!
Just a note: I am always careful to try to preserve the original lithographs inside when possible (to me it retains value),this particular trunk has one that you don't see very often.There are some trunks(I.E. trying to paint custom canvas on a Louis Vuitton,or Goyard,or removing lets say travel stickers,or alterations on a Famous persons trunk that I believe can affect(decrease) value, some trunks you don't touch leave them alone or at most clean them.This one has already had a marginal refinishing with that shabby sheik look.It is not a high dollar value trunk so go for it. Some might call this trunk a cross slat, round top trunk as most of the manufacturers of the time period did.There is a great explanation of the terminology of this style of trunk at HMS Trunk.com . Last point:There is a distinct difference between restoration(as close to original as possible) and refinishing(The sky is the limit on this one.) each one holds potentially a different value,and that would depend on the utimate buyer.
Thank You Drill! This is so neat! i love history! Just dont know much about trunks,never had a trunk until now. A friend of mine had moved away and she gave this trunk to me, never knew she had it, she kept her horse tack in it. She did not want to take it with her on the move so she told me i could just have it. I dont think she even knew it was an antique trunk! I will fill her in on all this info. what awesome help on this! wonderful people and wonderful website!
Careful,when you realize just how many different types and kinds and histories are out there you might get hooked.Welcome to CW
I may be hooked already! Thanks again Drill :-) Glad to be part of CW