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Embossed Metal Trunks

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    Posted 8 years ago

    TrunkerMar…
    (32 items)

    This is a metal covered "rounded edge" style trunk I restored recently, which has the alligator pattern embossed metal. Since it had some of the original paint still on the trunk I did my best to duplicate the original colors on the embossed metal. I liked the results and I'll let you decide for yourself. These were done in a variety of finishes including the gold crystallized finish and in different colors, even blue (which I had once)! Over the years I've had many questions about the embossed metal and it's history, so I've spent quite a lot of time researching the history and patents for this and I did find some good documented information on the metal coverings, from patent documents, old trunk catalogs, ads, and trunk hardware catalogs. I decided to write a short article about it, so if you're interested you can use the link provided below to go to the posted article. There were many styles and designs of the embossed metal for trunks and quite a few makers also, including the American Can Company. There's still more to learn but I always prefer some good documented history rather than passing on information which may not be accurate. Here's the history information link which I think you can cut and paste to search online:

    http://www.thisoldtrunk.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2&products_id=663

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    Comments

    1. TrunkerMarvin TrunkerMarvin, 8 years ago
      I'll put the history information link here too which may be easier to use.

      http://www.thisoldtrunk.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2&products_id=663
    2. FatBoy64, 8 years ago
      Very cool trunk Marvin, I like that look a lot. Good work on the article too, very informative.
    3. TrunkerMarvin TrunkerMarvin, 8 years ago
      Thanks very much FatBoy64! I appreciate that and the positive feedback on the article.
    4. jscott0363 jscott0363, 8 years ago
      Marvin,
      You've done a wonderful job on this!! As far as matching the colors, I can't even tell where you stopped and started. It's just fantastic. I love that alligator embossed tin and the hardware is amazing.
      Your article is very informative and well written. Thought you said it was a short article:) Nice job my friend!!
    5. greendog greendog, 8 years ago
      I assume this was intended for me, all because I referred to the tin on my last post as buttons and bows, which I saw used on a trunk web site, it may or may not be correct, but don't really care. Like I told Jim, I respect the fact that he and yourself and others have done countless hours of research on the subject, but for most of us this is a hobby, we are not experts, we make mistakes, I don't think the trunk world is going to crumble because I may have referred to a tin pattern incorrectly. By the way love the trunk.
    6. TrunkerMarvin TrunkerMarvin, 8 years ago
      Greendog, wow, not at all what I intended and it didn't bother me at all that you said your trunk had "buttons and bows" metal, which by the way I didn't even see until after I posted this or had written my article. As I said, I've had many questions on this topic for years and had been working on writing something on the topic for a long time. Yes, I've had discussions about this a few times with Jim also, but only regarding information we found during research. I understand everyone is not an expert on the history or trunks, and I still have a lot to learn too. So, sorry this upset you in any way. I'm only trying to share history information on trunks for those who may be interested and I've done that for years. Maybe I should shut up and keep it to myself from now on. Thanks
    7. TrunkerMarvin TrunkerMarvin, 8 years ago
      Thanks JScott, appreciate the comments very much. I only hope to help others learn more about antique trunks and their history. Don't intend to upset anyone or act like I'm the only one who knows anything about trunks, but I've been doing research on them for many years and like to share some of it. Thanks!
    8. trunkman trunkman, 8 years ago
      Marvelous trunk and another stellar restoration Marvin. It is always a pleasure to see a new form and style of trunk with different hardware and design. Thanks too for the link to the informative info. on tin and zinc coverings for these works of art - its a privilege to have this information shared. We are all on different parts of the learning curve in this genre of collectibles and I am thankful there are those such as yourself tracking ahead of me -- I don't want to stop anywhere on the curve just yet so keep the good work coming!
    9. TrunkerMarvin TrunkerMarvin, 8 years ago
      Hi trunkman, thanks very much!, you're too kind! Like you I love seeing the different forms and designs of trunks, even when they just mixed things up a little with the hardware and slat arrangements. In the old catalogs I've seen that they usually called these "rounded edge" trunks. In one catalog they called a similar trunk a "Monitor trunk" but it may have just been their own model name. More recently online I've seen a lot of people call them "waterfall trunks" which I doubt was ever used as an original name. Anyway, it's fun learning more about these old amazing items!
    10. greendog greendog, 8 years ago
      Oh you didn't upset me, just thought it was kind of coincidental that Jim questions me on where I get my info for tin names, and then you come up with this. All is well, I still respect both you and Jim for your knowledge and your abilities to do what we do.
    11. Drill Drill, 8 years ago
      Wonderful trunk Marvin, even better was the information provided about the zinc/
      tin coverings. I have always really enjoyed your research and writing, thank you for continually taking the time to explain and impart those many years of knowledge to us all.As you know, you were one of the original people that inspired me to collect trunks. I now - not only enjoy them, but enjoy researching their history/images labels etc as well . You can certainly take some credit for that one. Forums are created so that everyone can exchange ideas and thoughts in a meaningful way, let's always keep it that way. This is a great site for that (except you can only post 4 pictures at a time) . Other than that it's all good.
    12. TrunkerMarvin TrunkerMarvin, 8 years ago
      Thank you Drill, very appreciated! And I agree it's great we can have this forum for discussion of questions, ideas, and information as well as a place to share our collections and interests with others. It keeps it interesting and I learn new things or see something different frequently!
    13. trunkman trunkman, 8 years ago
      Well Drill you could always do a 'collage' - just sayin'....
    14. TrunkerMarvin TrunkerMarvin, 8 years ago
      Yeah, a collage may be good sometimes, but it can make it harder to see the nice details.... can give it a try!
    15. TrunkerMarvin TrunkerMarvin, 8 years ago
      Greendog, that's good. Seeing several metal covered trunks recently encouraged me to finish up my "article" and get it posted. I've been saving pictures of different designs of the metal for years now for my own use, and started researching the metal patents several years ago. Still working on a list of all the designs I've seen or found, whether or not we have the correct names. There's still more information to find I'm sure. I'd love to find a copy of an embossed metal catalog from the American Can Company or other makers... Drill, anyone else up for the search?!!
    16. hmsantiquetrunks.com hmsantiquetrunks.com, 8 years ago
      Greendog, a major reason this site exists is to provide information. The half a dozen or so that post on this forum are only a fraction of those that view it for information. Google "Antique trunks" and you will find Collectors Weekly on page one! That is very impressive for a site that does not sell anything. You may not care what is correct, (if you didn't care why did you do the research?) but those that visit this site do. When you were playing expert, after visiting one website, you were fine. However, if someone tries to educate you, you get an attitude.
    17. greendog greendog, 8 years ago
      well Jim first of all, I'am not an expert and never claimed to be. There is a way to ask or tell people something without being condescending to one, and I think you have a hard time doing that. Out of respect for the others that I have enjoyed conferring with, Trunkman , Scotty, Drill, Ben, just to name a few, I will end this here, thanks to all. Greendog
    18. Drill Drill, 8 years ago
      Sometimes things get a little too heavy here.
      http://www.adviceforprgirls.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/sisyphus.jpg
      It's Important to check ones progress:

      https://i0.wp.com/media.boingboing.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Screen-Shot-2015-07-30-at-3.26.22-AM.png?resize=930%2C464

      If life gets you down,find a sweet ride and go for a cruise.

      http://do5ctr7j643mo.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/16234202/To-meet-the-growing-success-of-his-trunks-in-1859-Louis-Vuitton-founded-new-workshops-in-Asnieres-northwest-of-Paris-pictured-here-1024x990.jpg

      I find Window shopping also can relieve stress.

      http://www.hoardoftrends.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Louis_Vuitton_Maison_Paris_4.jpg?ec8495

      If that does not cheer ya up try making a "Collage."
      https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/f1/42/f1/f142f1da5e6c6ddf1bcae88d224b8939.jpg
    19. Drill Drill, 8 years ago
      You can always hang out with T-man and Scott.
      http://apps.sandiego.gov/gallery/digitalarchives/images/downtown/dt12_file14241.jpg

      https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2218/2355726829_34c626b078_o.jpg

      They always seem to cheer me up!
    20. Drill Drill, 8 years ago
      Just some images to share.
      http://www.kchistory.org/cgi-bin/getimage.exe?CISOROOT=/Askren&CISOPTR=60&DMSCALE=62.24066&DMWIDTH=750&DMHEIGHT=952.282157676&DMX=0&DMY=0&DMTEXT=%22Kansas%20City%20Trunk%20Company%22&REC=3&DMTHUMB=0&DMROTATE=0

      Kansas city trunk co. storefront image(Zoom in).

      Clinton wall trunk factory.
      http://www.telegram.com/storyimage/WT/20140228/COULTER01/302289672/AR/0/AR-302289672.jpg

      Stephen Titus Camden NJ. storefront
      http://www.dvrbs.com/people/Prom-10/IMAGE-172-Titus-a.jpg
    21. TrunkerMarvin TrunkerMarvin, 8 years ago
      Thanks AnnaB, fortapache, and filmnet for visiting!
    22. TrunkerMarvin TrunkerMarvin, 8 years ago
      Hey Drill, you always come up with some great old pictures. I love seeing some of the old factories where these trunks were made and the early stores! I have a couple Clinton Wall trunks so that picture is great, one I hadn't seen before. Thanks!
    23. Drill Drill, 8 years ago
      Yes, I should get a life!Here are a few images to enjoy.
      http://68.media.tumblr.com/d1dcad167a4160564c720c6ca591585a/tumblr_n9gn5bSWZi1sqjszko1_1280.jpg

      https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c3/Armored.png

      http://images.indianahistory.org/utils/ajaxhelper/?CISOROOT=dc012&CISOPTR=10908&action=2&DMSCALE=100&DMWIDTH=359&DMHEIGHT=450&DMX=0&DMY=0&DMTEXT=&DMROTATE=0


      http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w9b-DX5HkFY/T15BDhhvo4I/AAAAAAAACic/XBZSOLJmsQA/s1600/WK%2BB11%2B2496%2Bcopy.jpg

      https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/36/48/8f/36488f674fec0fdbc78d1c3b03b654c3.jpg

      https://c5.staticflickr.com/5/4107/5200539692_e358fba086_z.jpg

      The Gents at collectors weekly looked like this in their younger days!
      http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jkIp0VaVsr0/VqtosmSNEMI/AAAAAAAAAUA/yG_GoG-
      55V4/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-01-29%2Bat%2B8.27.30%2BPM.png

      W.W. Winship Rules with this storefront-

      https://fedora.digitalcommonwealth.org/fedora/objects/commonwealth:5h73s9137/datastreams/access800/content

      http://static.panoramio.com/photos/large/94758144.jpg

      There is a lot more, just some for now.
    24. TrunkerMarvin TrunkerMarvin, 8 years ago
      Wow, Drill I love that Winship building front with the trunk!! That ranks right up there with the Haskell and Taylor stores in Chicago. I've seen a couple of the pictures of the Morrison, Beehive Trunk buildings, but thanks for sharing them again. Wouldn't it be great to have one of those old signs!? I also love the pictures of the old delivery wagons like the Sage's Trunk Depot, and A. E. Meek of Denver delivery wagons that were made to look like huge trunks!
    25. Drill Drill, 8 years ago
      I concur Marvin yes it would be awesome to have any of it.
      M.M. Secor building .Here are a few more images most of which you
      have seen.One day I'll put some of these pics up on Pinterest when I find the time.
      This way you won't have to scroll down endlessly to get a picture.
      http://www.vindustries.com/racinehistory/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/secortrunkco1975.jpg

      Ganz & Klein trunk storefront helena Montana

      http://www.helenahistory.org/main_broadway_1907_1.jpg

      Memphis trunk and Bag
      http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTAwNVgxNjAw/z/1LAAAOSwd0BVqvWB/_57.JPG

      Drew and sons London sign
      http://images.antiquesatlas.com/dealer-stock-images/elmgarden/Victorian_Painted_Tin_Hat_Box__as284a2520z-1.jpg

      Evansville trunk co. (On the Right of photo)
      http://historicevansville.com/images/commercial/Evansville%20Warehouse%20(1920).jpg

      J.L. Wolf trunk and bag:
      http://twain.lib.niu.edu/adore-djatoka/resolver?url_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_id=http%3A%2F%2Ftwain.lib.niu.edu%2Fislandora%2Fobject%2Fniu-twain%253A9732%2Fdatastream%2FJP2%2Fview%3Ftoken%3Dc3f6fd1f5e0a7a51311fa62b6eb13fed49494e4b089c824bc21674307d34a107&svc_id=info%3Alanl-repo%2Fsvc%2FgetRegion&svc_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajpeg2000&svc.format=image%2Fjpeg&svc.region=9%2C0%2C914%2C442
    26. TrunkerMarvin TrunkerMarvin, 8 years ago
      Thank you all for your "love" and for looking! I appreciate it!

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