Posted 9 years ago
B.Kay
(15 items)
I found this at Goodwill. It's about 2 feet long and about 17 inches wide. At first I didn't think much of it. But I was researching something else and saw the same style of hardware. It was on a Wells Fargo chest from way back. It genuinely looks to have been broken into. I was excited to start stripping it, because it's a horrible paint job and the wood is beautiful. But I stopped for a moment to share and see what you all think?
Let the stories ensue!
Anyway it was painted white at one point and then black over it with a spray can. It is heavy as heck for its size, but what a find!
I will post finished pictures.
I am hoping that someone knows a little something about this style, or have come across one before.
Thank you.
B.Kay, This is just fantastic! With the style and size of this one, I believe you're right about it being a Wells Fargo box. It's reminiscent of the document boxes from the early to mid-1800s. Can't wait to see your finished product!!!
Thank you jscott0363! I'm really excited about it!!
I don't understand why everyone who has any sort of box that they cant identify somehow connects it with Wells Fargo. Your box, which was probably made sometime after 1920, would hold jewelry, or nic nacs, but hardly 100 to 150 pounds of deeds, mail and gold & silver. The Wells Fargo box is the most misunderstood, and most copied (faked) box ever. (not yours) I just read a listing by a major online auctioneer who sold a Vanderman tool box (often misidentified as a strong box) that someone painted "Wells Fargo" on, and sold for $1600.00. Six times what is was worth. I am sure the misinformed buyer believed what he was purchasing was genuine. Wells Fargo had one box style, period. Here is a link to Wells Fargo's own site that shows their box with some information. Click on the "The Wells Fargo Treasuer Box" tab.
https://www.wellsfargo.com/about/corporate/stagecoach#Show
Hope this helps,
Jim
HMSantiquetrunks.com
Thank you for the link to Wells Fargo. I do not believe it was that box in particular, it was just the same style. Wouldn't that be a great find at Goodwill! Honestly at first I thought someone had just made a box for a pirate themed room or something, until I started looking at the metal work. Then while I was doing some research on a different trunk, I stumbled upon a strong box from early 1800's. So that prompted me to look closer. I was just sharing this curious old chest, regardless of its origin.
I am much more satisfied with seeking out those treasures that others don't see.
The intimacy and stories you create whilst alone, stripping and sanding. Devoting your most careful attention to tiny details that no one else will see,. . . .
that's what I am in it for. Its therapeutic to say the least. The transformations we can create while keeping the integrity and style are amazing. That's really what I wanted to share. I love this site for show and tell, and information we can all share with each other. Thank you Jim!
"The intimacy and stories you create whilst alone, stripping and sanding. Devoting your most careful attention to tiny details that no one else will see,. . . ."
"The transformations we can create while keeping the integrity and style are amazing"
Perfectly said. I could not express that any better.
Thank you.
B.Kay, you expressed why we find joy in restoring trunks/antiques so eloquently. As stated, it is therapeutic to take something that is worn and/or damaged and bring it back to a thing of beauty. CW brings us together to share our passion for finding beauty in what some see as trash.
Yes! You hit the nail on the head with your explanation...That's exactly what I do and you said it so well. I can't wait to see the finished product either...
I love that box, very cool size. At first I thought it was metal. Is spray paint hardest to remove? I can't use any of the removers or polishes, well they probably do have something that's non-toxic now. I haven't looked. Waiting patiently for the results ;)
Great find! It is a thrill to restore these treasurers... and you do a fantastic job of it!
Thank you very much trunkman. I really appreciate that.