Posted 9 years ago
TurdFerguson
(19 items)
Possible Civil War era flat top chest/box/foot locker? Person I got it from said it had a card that read "circa 1865", but that has gone missing. It measures 24"Lx12"Hx13.5"W. The hinges appear to have been replaced with simple spit-leather. What kind of hinges would have originally been on something like this? It looks as though the original hinge could have been leather because there are some small, irregularly spaced, nail holes on the back near where the current hinges are located. Would it have been one long piece or several squares of leather? The handles are stiff leather that is separating and appears old but probably not original?? The lining appears old, but I could not say if it is original. Anyone recognize this style lock? would love to find a key- not sure if it even works. Would this box originally been covered in paper/canvas on the outside like most or would it have been wood like it sits? Any input is appreciated- probably leave it the way it is but maybe rework the hinge area if anything. Thanks guys- I enjoy your site.
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I would place your trunk in the early to mid 1870's. And yes, it is a trunk, not a chest (a chest is for the home, not travel) or box, or footlocker. It is a small trunk. I believe the hinges were leather, and those could be original. I also believe it was covered with leather, and this you can confirm by looking closely at the valance, or corner binding to see what is between the metal and the wood. Most of the time these were covered with one piece of leather from the valance, all the way around to the lock plate. To keep the leather in place when the trunk was opened tacks were nailed along both sides of the hing line, and those are the holes you see. The handles are original, and are made with a pasteboard center that is wrapped in leather. The handles, the 3/4 valance (instead of a full valance), leather hinges instead of iron, not slat clamp design, and inexpensive lock are all signs of a lower priced trunk. Hope this helps,
Jim
hmsantiquetrunks.com
Thank you again for this wealth of information, I will look for some material in the corners when I get home. Interesting on the cardboard and leather handles- they seem to be "molded" that shape- I was thinking maybe soaked in salt brine water or something to shape and form.- they are in decent shape, but feel brittle and the outer skin is lifting on one side- maybe I can see the cardboard now that I know what to look for. I think I will leave this one alone and do nothing to it just in case the hinges are original
Jim sure knows his trunks! Indeed I see the cardboard in the leather handles-= Thanks again