Posted 10 years ago
heatherw
(1 item)
Anyone know about this trunk? It is really pretty but wondering how old it is. I got it at an auction and think it is missing a tray.
steamer chest | ||
| Trunks1612 of 2669 |  |  |
steamer chest | ||
| Trunks1612 of 2669 | | |
Posted 10 years ago
heatherw
(1 item)
Anyone know about this trunk? It is really pretty but wondering how old it is. I got it at an auction and think it is missing a tray.
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Hello heatherw,
You trunk is a good example of the "cross slat" round top trunks with embossed metal covering that were made by many American trunk companies from the mid 1880's until the early 1920's. These were also made in flat top and high barrel top styles and others. There were a few dozen different patterns of the embossed metal covering. These trunks had lift out trays inside and sometimes lid compartments. Several old trunk catalogs I have from the late 1890's to mid 1910s show trunks nearly identical to this. Some have less hardwood slats on them because they were made in a variety of models and sizes. This trunk is in nice original condition. The cross slat style and the stamped metal slat clamps for them were patented in March 1880, so you will sometimes see the patent mark, "Pat. Mar.16, 80" stamped in the metal clamps. But the embossed metal of that type was made a little later, from about 1885 to about 1920. If you're interested in a few of the old trunk catalog pages of these trunks you can email me at Marvin@ThisOldTrunk.com