Posted 3 years ago
Chronocide
(1 item)
While researching this trunk I came across this site and someone asking about a similar trunk they had purchased. Mine stands about 22 inches tall. I learned from the other post its a barrel top. It had wheels (3 out of 4). Its in rough shape as someone tossed it away so I got it for free. I was thinking about restoring it, but I know if its anything special I shouldn't mess with it. I cant find any markings to indicate whom made it or where it came from. Im taking a educated guess that its from the 1890s. Im not sure what the picture on the inside is. Its a princess with a tambourine . Im not sure if that has any significance or if it was added decades later. If anyone could provide any insight about this that would be most appreciated. Like i said I don’t want to start taking rust off or anything only to find out I shouldn’t have.
You educated guess of 1890's is good. These Cross slat trunks were made by the thousands across America, by many makers for many years .Without a label it is hard to say exactly who made it. The majority of the flat metal was originally a crystalized gold finish. The center is a typical embossed alligator pattern that was widely used for many years.There were two patents for these I posted both. The interior lithograph is original to the piece.
This is not a high value trunk so bringing it back from rough shape can only add to this one.Hope this helps .Below are a few patents that may apply thanks for the post.
http://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/pages/US225497-0.png
https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/pages/US498472-0.png
http://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/pages/US203860-0.png
https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/pages/US369147-0.png
https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/9c/dc/f1/de7356379d5106/US312715-drawings-page-1.png
Thank you so much for the information, I was not coming up with any absolutes while researching independently. Thank you for putting my mind at ease. I will post pictures of the finished restoration.