Posted 5 years ago
KelvinBruns
(1 item)
Trying to date my family trunk. Looking to restore the trunk to its former glory! Any assistance here would be greatly appreciated.
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I would say mid to late 1880's give or take a bit, this style of trunk was made into the early 1900's, 1910, 1915 or so and the same hardware that was patented in the late 1870's and early 1880's was used for decades so its hard to be exact, but if you can get within five to ten years your doing good, like I said its right around that time period.
greendog- Greatly appreciate this!
Any insight on the type of material it is constructed of? Really do not want to destroy the potential natural beauty or value.
Your trunk is thin sheet metal usually coated in tin, the embossed metal is the same, and obviously wood, the trunk doesn't have a lot monetary value, cleaning and refinishing to what level is up to you.
greendog - You rock. Again thanks! Very excited to get started on restoring this trunk!
Looks like the lock reads patent 91?
I didn't look that close at this lock Tom, I have several locks of this style on trunks and they all say patent 77 on them, so this trunk can't be any older than early 1890's.
The image of the inside lid in this case means nothing as far as trunk dating goes , but if possible can you trade that photo for a close up of your unusual front latch..it may not help in dating.. as the lock has set a precedence. But I personally have never seen this style before and would like a better look at this rare item... If Possible!
I have uploaded a close up picture of the latch.
You posted the lock... I was talking about the latches. You have two on this trunk either side of the lock. Sorry.
Updated the picture of the latch.
Now that's interesting!! I have never come across or personally seen this type of latch and this an lone sets your simple trunk apart from others of the same foundation and style. Thanks for the post..I will save this image to my latch folder. I am sure Jim from HMS can tell you more about this latch.
Drill Is a great source or avenue for info on this piece. He can work wonders!!