Posted 8 years ago
Clpletc24
(1 item)
Hi, I dont know much about trunks but my dad found this one and it looms old. Im trying to find as much information on it and dont know how to go about it. Is it something with an awesome history or just an old trunk. I want to be careful about doing any alterations before I know more about it. Any direction, advice, input, are all grately appreciated. Thanks!
One person's opinion: I wouldn't worry overmuch about any repairs or renovations. Dome-top trunks aren't particularly popular unless one has a TON of room in your house and want one for blanket storage & etc. Folks today, if they want one at all, want one with a flat top on which things can be placed without fear of an avalanche.
It looks like its in decent condition, but I can't tell if it has all the latches & handles. Missing any of same cuts any value even further. If there is mustiness, that adversely affects a price further.
Bottom line? I let others make a million $ on old trunks. I like 'em myself, but won't buy any more domes, for sure.
I disagree pencil-necked-geek, there's a lot of dome top trunks being sold on line every day, so someone must like them, personally I prefer round top trunks over flat tops anytime, they have much more character. I have over 35 round tops in my house, a 36 inch round top, takes up no more room than a 36 inch flat top, I also see a lot of round tops being collected right here on the C.W., so to say round tops aren't popular is some what of a false statement.
Hey Clpletc24, I will say mid to late 1880's barrel top trunk, very ornate, love the hardware and the embossed tin, bottom of trunk is in rough shape, missing lock part can be replaced but the rust out spot is going to be tough. I have tackled worse looking trunks that came out really good. I see the trunk has a label , that's cool, your not going to hurt anything by refinishing this trunk, good luck, feel free to ask anything. greendog
I think this trunk is very cool and personally I feel it's in very good condition. I'm not sure I would redo this trunk, I'm not sure. I certainly wouldn't if I was going to sell it. There's lots of trunkies on here ;) they'll be along soon!
well shareurpassion, your definition of very good and mine differ, when you have missing parts and large sections of rust out, it makes it a much harder task. If it were smooth tin it would be easy for me to fix, but because its embossed tin, its a little harder to fix unless you happen to have that exact embossed tin laying around, which most people don't, that's why I said the lower half was in rough shape.
Wow, thank you all for your input. I have been trying to search online to learn more. I get more and more interested. It looks like there may be a missing section at the top. Not sure.
Thanks for posting the image of the J.Faber label inside the trunk you just don't see
many of this style of trunk with the label I did search and find a reference of this trunk and bag co. operating in 1892. I agree with Greendog ,they have character
and in my eyes worth saving.
Actually searched some more; If you search J. Faber trunk and bag co. you will find a great advertisement of the company under ; The Reserve Pg. 178 Goggle books- dated 1883 sorry I can't seem to get the image to post.
http://38.media.tumblr.com/34661010c44b8efd3edd0d877153c96c/tumblr_n4r6oyIzQJ1tyvgpko1_1280.gif
That's a good one Drill.
Great trunk and will look fabulous restored. I've taken rusted out tin right off.. used a bolt cutter drill bit and went around the perimeter. The wood is much easier to refinish then. If I can figure out cut and paste on this iPhone I'll send you the link.
Should appear next to yours-- trunkman 1880's restored trunk.
Link is trunkman's restored trunk for you to look at . Looks beautiful
http://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/165991-1880s-refinished-cross-slat-antique-tru?in=activity
Thanks for coming through for me mani!!