1886 Romadka Bros. Trunk | ||
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Posted 9 years ago
Buckskin
(2 items)
I purchased this trunk in this condition about four years ago at a moving sale. The seller of this trunk stated that it was from an estate of his grandmother. This was one of many she had. It measures
32" wide, 27" tall and 22"deep. The Star Lock Works padlock shows PAT. MAR. 70.
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That is a really beautiful trunk -- looking forward to learning more about it -- exceptional!
Love this one and can not wait to see the others.
Thank you for your nice comments. I am looking forward to learning more on the history on this trunk.
Fellow trunkers... we await more info. on this magnificent trunk... Is this an early Romadaka Brothers trunk?
Good guess Trunkman, it is. Your trunk was made by Romadka Bros. Trunk & Bag Co, Milwaukee, WI. Anyone who knows me, knows that this is one of my favorite manufactures. Your trunk was probably made around 1886, or later. All of the hardware on this trunk is either from a Romadka patent, or hardware designed by Romadka, and only used on Romadka trunks. The corner latches were patented on Jan. 2 1877, the rear corner hinges/lid stay (I can't see them, but I know they are there) were patented on Dec. 29 1874, the casters were patented on Feb. 2 1886, and even the embossed metal on the corners, and slat protectors (you can clearly see the pattern on the picture of the top) was patented by Romadka on Nov 9 1875. Apparently Romadka liked to use that 1870 patent, Star Lock Works padlock setup on their trunks as I see it quite often. Great trunk, hope I helped. If I can be of any more assistance, email me through my website.
Jim
hmsantiquetrunks.com
Great Romadka trunk.A few Patent images that Jim has spoken about.
http://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/pages/USD8784-0.png
http://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/pages/US335148-0.png
http://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/pages/US158317-0.png
A favorite for many collectors,Thanks for the post.
http://128.104.244.45/WHPD-Images/web/136607.jpg
http://images.wisconsinhistory.org/700011230010/1123000185-l.jpg
Here is an image of Romadka trunk and bag store No. 391 Broadway Milwaukee Wisc.
The company was formed in 1848 by Brothers -John M. Romadka, Charles P. Romadka, Anthony V. Romadka as equal co-partners Natives of Bohemia, Austria
first arriving moving to Cinn. Ohio,then quickly settling in Milwaukee, Wisc. Purchasing 4,500 timberland acres in 1883 made them a powerhouse in the trunk business for they owned their own lumber mills.The Romadka name was one of the Elites in society in the 1890's. One by one the original brothers died off however, survived by their child heirs (Clem F. Romadka, A.J. Romadka, C.J. Romadka, Francis J. Romadka )who continued the Family business until the company's Bankruptcy, July 5,1913. The company produced some of the finest made trunks,with many Patents registered as well as a famous Patent infringement case Romadka Vs. J.H.Sessions.
Hope this helps much luck with it.
Thank you so much Trunkman, Jim @ hmsantiquetrunks.com and Drill for all the great information and history on the Romadka trunk. I appreciate your time.