Posted 7 years ago
MaldenMike
(1 item)
So, I recently bought a new house and found this trunk in the basement. It looks genuinely old but I can't find any identifiable or manufacturers marks. By looking at the photos, can anyone tell me anything about this? Approx. age, manufacturer, value, etc.?
It looks like someone painting the inside and added another small piece of wood to hold a top shelf. But otherwise, looks to be all original. I just want to make sure it's authentic and not something that was purchased at Home Goods last week!
Thanks!
I would say mid to late 1860's, leather strap and buckle closer's in front, metal latches were first patented in 1872, so I would guess prior to that. Trunk was probably covered with leather originally, I agree, I don't believe the interior configuration is original. without a makers label almost impossible to say who the maker was, would look nice cleaned up a bit, greendog.
Has elements that make me think it might be French made.
closer to early 187o's
This is an older American trunk lid patent that could apply to this trunk.
http://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/pages/US52979-0.png
A Slat clamp patent of the time.
https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/pages/US171948-0.png
Trunk hasp patent portions may apply..
http://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/pages/US130210-0.png
Similar Hinge patent
http://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/pages/US136040-0.png
This trunk would have had straps similar to these.
https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/pages/US71223-0.png
Hope this sheds some light on the topic.
Thank you all very much for your help. I'm not looking to get rid of this trunk, but just so I know, does anyone have any estimate as to the value in it's current state?