Posted 10 years ago
TrunkerMar…
(32 items)
Here's my latest addition to my toy or doll trunk collection. (Large trunks are great too, but these are so much easier to find room for!) This is 16" wide and 11" tall. The alligator metal was in nearly mint condition and just needed cleaning and a little finish. The interior paper was really dirty and spotted so I removed it and preserved the original lithograph and trim in the lid. I plan to make a lift out tray for it someday too. I expect this is from the 1890's to 1910's based on the style, lock, etc. I managed to find a key for the lock, which works great. Thanks for looking! Do others out there collect the miniature or doll trunks?
Thanks for the loves..officialfuel, CindB, aghcollect, and JonB!
You have such nice pristine trunks Marvin... another beautiful example. I just do not see too many doll trunks come up -- or when they do they have been later models and not so desirable.
Such incredible work Marvin!! I love the embossed design. Just not something you see everyday. That's the way I like 'em!!
Beautiful trunk. I agree doll trunks and hat trunks are a great way to add to a trunk collection when space is becoming an issue. Recent adds, to my growing trunk collection, have been doll size ones. The hunt is worth it when you run across a nice one like you have here. Question how do you preserve the original lithograph as you remove the old paper? I've refinished some trunks where the lithograph is nice and worth saving but not sure how to do that.
Thanks for the loves everyone.
KathyKay, over the last few years I've added more doll trunks as I run out of room, or I have to trade out a large trunk for another one I decide to keep. The hunt is fun but as you know it can be really hard to find nice unusual ones now. For the lithographs and trim pieces, you have to inspect the condition carefully, and see if they are thick enough paper to be removed by carefully soaking or steaming them. If not, I carefully use a razor blade to cut around the edge and then dampen the old paper around them and remove that with a putty knifc.... just have to be really careful. Then after removing all the old dirty paper around it you can coat it with a little clear satin finish. I hope that helps. Marvin
TrunkerMarvin - thanks for the tips I will give it a try.
You're welcome.. I think I forgot to mention that the fancy paper trim and lithographs are usually so thin that they will tear apart if you try to remove them, so I rarely remove one and then replace it. If you are luck they can sometimes be carefully pulled up while still attached to the paper or fabric lining under them. But if you work around them carefully they can be preserved without damage. A little practice helps!
Nice !!! !!! !!!
Marvin is right on the money with all of the advise. One important thing I do is further protect the lithograph, especially when I'm working on the interior of the trunk. Sanding ,staining,clear-coating, repapering etc. It Can get busy in there,I ruined a Great lithograph once by being careless with stain (I slipped with a large brush on the underside of the lid).I now cover the Lithograph with a piece of clear document protector platic ( cut 1/2 inch bigger than the Lithographs length and width) and green painters tape it over the top. Rule#1 No tape on the lithograph(Green tape applied gently, generally won't destroy background paper). I never want to ruin another.I do this with the Labels Too.When your ready to work close to it get rid of the big brush,Remove the plastic and do finish work with a small artist brush. Much luck, learn from my mistake it only take a minute.
I absolutely love this!! What a beauty. I also collect doll trunks for the same reason. I don't have any as nice as this one though! I rarely see them with embossed tin.
Thanks myoldkyhome! When I do see the embossed metal doll trunks they are usually in very worn condition with very little original finish. I was amazed how nice this one was, it must have been stored away for a long time. I have a couple others which I may post sometime and I'll have to see what you have posted too. Thanks!
Drill, thanks for the advice. I have a trunk that I will be working on soon, I will use the tips from both you and TrunkerMarvin to see if I can save the original lithograph. I find that people on this site are very knowledgeable and willing to share their years of trial and error on bring these trunks back to life for the next generation.