Posted 10 years ago
cscrabeck
(1 item)
I found this trunk at a local antique place. I thought it was just a regular trunk but when I opened it, it had drawers and awesome leather handles. I can't find any markings on it, but my basic research leads me to believe it's french. I can't find any other handles that look like that! Also, I removed the bottom drawer to look for markings and found a 20 centimes coin underneath it. I think it's canvas and leather with oak pieces across the front. And the inside looks like linen.
I can't find anything that looks like this online.
21x33x24h
I am wondering what is stamped on the leather handle ?It is blurry and hard to read. Is it the word Fisam? This stamp could be an indicator of origin, as not many producers have this cut style of leather on the side handles.
It is stamped with numbers:
27 22 8 12
I tried googling and got nothing.
https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRx1XDtXRL0Vd7IMDKhPwZ9Hp1mULmeXQpSRT86Y_x7S8s-JIov
So here is an image of a Moynat specialty trunk(yours also is a specialty trunk ) that does have some similarities. Having said that, French trunks destined for export were supposed to be marked with "Made in France somewhere on it. Most french hardware is marked ( Depose,or surete) or on earlier models sometimes you will see it marked with S.G.D.G. The cut of the handle was done by moynat,but not exclusively AuDepart in the Lausanne region was another. The small brass nails were predominantly done by the French makers as well as some of the Belgium manufacturers as well. One indicator that could tell you more is the bottom,The bottom slats should be picture frame corners. The better French manufacturers
would have labeled it in some way.good luck for now.
There is a great web site LaMalleencoin.com that could potentially narrow things down for you a little more. Another is BelMal.com that knows the Belgium manufacturers. Note: The lock with the point is throwing me off as well as the single
rivets on the slat corners.You don't see that to often.Much luck with it.
The bottom does not have the picture frame corners, but I think that's because there are tiny wheels that roll in one direction and with the wood slats there would be no way to connect the 3rd corner. If that makes sense? So the corners are "L" shaped with space for the wheels.
You have been tremendously helpful! Thank you so much!!
Also the brass is stamped "Dep." is that Depose?
stunning!!!
Good Possibility!
Hi cscrabeck, I love your trunk, great find! These were usually called bureau (or sometimes dresser) trunks in Europe and the U.S. I also believe it is French and I know that several of the makers there did make bureau trunks, and one that patented their own style and made only that type, but you don't find very many of them. I also know a couple German trunk companies used locks, handles, and hardware of that style, but if any parts are stamped Dep it is most likely French (that basically stood for Depose which was like their "patented" mark). It is surprising that it is not marked because all of the larger French makers had special labels for their trunks (L.Vuitton, Goyard, Moynat, etc.). It is canvas over wood with brass trim and the lining does appear to be linen, which was used on many good quality trunks in Europe and the U.S. Again, great find!
Marvin ThisOldTrunk.com