Posted 8 years ago
scottvez
(977 items)
An unusual occupational tintype. This loose tintype image depicts a trunk maker or someone who "enhanced" others trunks.
Based on the format and photographers backdrop, I would think that this is an 1870s image-- maybe a trunk collector will be able to add more based on the trunk?
The trunk itself is a dome top and it appears that elaborate decorative pieces have been applied.
I have a good general understanding of 19th century trunks, but would appreciate one (or more) of the CW trunk collectors feedback on the trunk. If it is a standard production piece maybe someone is familiar with the trunk company that produced it. To me it appears to be a "step up" from what I typically see on the market.
Thanks for any and all help!
Scott
Thanks martika and buss!
scott
Thanks vetraio!
scott
Scott,
This is GREAT!! I've seen several photos of the crews in trunk factories, but never any like this one. Being a trunk collector myself, I always tried to envision what the paper covered trunks looked like when they were new. Now I know. Great post!
Scott
On second thought, that does appear to be a nicely tooled leather covered trunk that this worker has just completed.
Nicely enhanced. Maybe for a special Broadway star!
Thanks for looking and commenting scott-- any specifics in this particular ornamentation or lock that may help in leading to a maker?
scott
Are you sure this is an American worker? The only thing that is less interesting about tin is I think tin is tin all over and probably the process is the same all over the globe. Is that right. There is no way to distinguish where this was taken, (probably) here or abroad. I must say the guy is really appealing!And look,-- nicely combed hair! In most tins ( mine) the guys hair- dos are pretty far out. I guess that that is why I was maybe thinking, German, Scandinavian?? That also might explain the oddly and beautifully adorned trunk.
very interesting
Scott,
What a treasure! I am interested to know if the design add ons are 3 dimensional. If not this a great example of trompe l'oeil.
Thanks pcc-- it came out of the US. The backdrop column, workers outfit and trunk itself would make me believe it was US.
scott
How can I not love this? (the original "Trunkman") Great pic! I do not see any features on the trunk that stand out as to a maker though.... I have come cross a fair number of this style along the way. Definitely a high end trunk. I don't recognize the lock at all -- seems a bit unusual.
Thanks for looking trunkman-- appreciate you taking the time to comment!
scott
GREAT PHOTO!
I can say with 100% certainty that this trunk was made in America, and that person next to it (by the look on his face) had a part in its manufacture. High end, hand embossed leather (done with the leather on the trunk, not before) barrel top, trunk from around the early 1870's. Those slat clamps were patented by Sessions in 1870.
I have seen that lock before, and I am searching for the patent (if it has one)
Hope this helps,
Jim
hmsantiquetrunks.com
Thanks for confirming what I saw as a US piece!
I appreciate the information on the trunk itself (making, slat clamps, lock).
THANKS.
scott
Thanks official and crafts.
scott
Thanks official and crafts.
scott
What a fantastic trunk Scott! Man, to have one like that today...
Thanks again rick. It is much easier to "collect" and store the antique images-- calls for much less storage space!
scott
Thanks official, david, kiva, racer and vo.
scott
Thanks for looking anna!
scott
https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/pages/USRE7164-0.png
Here is a picture of the Re-issued patent ( June 6 1876) from the Deceased inventor(W.S. Jessup) of the slat clamp, that Jim has mentioned. Note that
one of the witnesses is J.H. Sessions.
I too have seen this lock and will give a look for the patent.
Thanks much drill-- I appreciate the information!
scott
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5x5VsUi4S6c/SXUltnvOneI/AAAAAAAABaQ/FQxe0qmrv5Q/s1600/J.H.+Sessions+%26+Son+employees,+Bristol.jpg
Here is a great photo of J.H. Sessions and sons workers, Something tells me your
guy and these guys are cut from similar cloth.
Thanks for looking 64.
scott
Thanks peggy!
scott
Thanks hyp!
scott