Posted 5 years ago
sabrinar_s…
(1 item)
Hi CW!
I wanted to get some more background on my great grandmothers chest that I've recently inherited. From what I could find (thanks to mostly this community) is that the latches seem to be from Star Lock Works in PA. It seems to have oak slats with embossed tin. Sits on 4 tiny roller wheels. The story was always that she brought it over with her from Europe in the late 1800's. Is there anyone here that could give me a better idea as to who made it? Is it worth restoring because I have the leather handles that were removed (see photo). No tray sadly. Love this piece. Is it better original with just some basic cleaning or worth restoring. What is it worth as it sits does anyone have any idea? Thanks.
your trunk is from the mid to late 1880's give or take a bit, yes it is a nice double star lock, looks like its broken but probably could be repaired, the embossed tin is referred to as pinwheel pattern, but was sold as fancy tin, the wood slats on your trunk are not oak but some other hard wood such as maple, elm, etc. most people think oak was used on trunks and most likely it was not because oak was an expensive wood and was reserved for fine furniture, depending on the way it was cut most people couldn't tell oak from maple anyway. the leather handles in the bottom of your trunk are not going to work with the metal end caps that I see, they will require a strait leather handle with a rounded end. yes I would restore this trunk not only because its a nice trunk but because it belonged to your grandmother, as far as the maker goes without a label or hardware that was linked to a specific maker its impossible to say, the lock, latches, slat clamps and the embossed tin was used by all trunk makers at the time.
P.S. this is an american made trunk, trunks were sent to Europe by the thousands, they were bought by people who immigrated to the U.S. bringing the trunk back to america.
Hi Greendog,
Thank you for the information. The handles did seem a bit too new in comparison to the condition of the trunk but just went off what everyone has told me. So happy I posted this!! Going to clean it up and see how it looks before considering restoration. Will keep you updated if I find a marker someone while doing so :) thanks again!
your welcome
Nice trunk definitely worth the restoration!
If you are looking to replace/repair your lock and have a key, please contact me.
Jimcardoza@pacbell.net
Thanks @hmsantiquetrunks.com! I will keep you in mind.
https://phoenix.craigslist.org/cph/atq/d/cave-creek-1800s-dome-steamer-trunk/7061839770.html
So much for restoration.
Hi Drill,
Yep! After speaking with someone at length about restoration at a local shop I don't believe I have the funds to do this project the way it should be done (unless they were just pulling my leg at their quote). If it doesn't sell, I'll keep it but if someone can give it a good home that will make it functional again, why not.