Posted 4 years ago
Cilywbt
(1 item)
Recently purchased dome style trunk. The interior top has mostly been stripped, but the leather and exterior look great for its age. I’d love to learn more about it if anyone knows. The bottom says 32 leather 65, but that is just the style and dimensions. There is no patent on the wheels or lock/latch. Anyone have any insight? It looks like a baggage tag on the side with 1899 on it. Thanks!!
Does it have rear corner hinges? it has the look of a Martin Maier, please show picture. The front latches were patented 1882 by Charles Taylor, the 1877 corner hardware patented 1877 by Taylor also, The lock was patented 1883 and it should be on the back side of the latch part of the lock, I have seen locks exactly like this one and they where Corbin locks, I have one on a trunk that is plain like yours, I would say your trunk is from mid to late 1880's the black on the end of the slats was kind of a trade mark of Martin Maier please show pictures of the back side.
Thank you Greendog! I do see the patent on the back of the lock as 1883. I never would have thought to look there. I’m trying to find out how to load a picture of the back.
Well it doesn't have Martin Maier Patented corner hinges, so I can't say for sure that it is an MM, but like I said it has the look of one, the black end slats and the tight vertical row of nails going up the front and over the top are common on MM trunks, no label anywhere inside? if it was me I would remove the leather and finish the wood but that's just me.
Thank you again Greendog. No indication of manufacturer on the interior. I think we are going to keep the leather, is there something you would treat it with? Also, there is a paper label on the side that was a shipping sticker. We would like to keep that. How would you permanently affix it? Is there some sort of lacquer that is safe for wood?