Posted 12 years ago
fearghais
(3 items)
I've been looking for an old trunk (just because I like the way they look) to store some things in the attic. Found this one on craigslist.com for a very reasonable price and bought it. I had found a trunk restoration website and once obtaining the trunk I submitted these (and more) photos to the trunk restoration manager there for identification. Although the person did not identify the maker of the trunk, they did say they felt this trunk was pre-civil war and had already been redone. Originally, I was informed, this trunk had a outer paper covering with geometic designs on it. Do any trunk experts know anything else about this piece that might be of interest? I think it is beautiful and now wonder if it should be used for storage in the attic or left out for others to enjoy.
Beautiful trunk. I would say that it is a civil war era trunk -- not pre-civil era. If it was covered with paper then most likely it was a a time when leather was designated for war use and thus paper was more available. The lock and latches appear to me to be civil war era as well. There were a lot of trunk makers at the time so unless there is a label you will be hard pressed to identify a maker. The wood really looks great -- and I would certainly keep it out of the attic for others to enjoy. Nice find -- enjoy and thanks for posting!
Thanks Trunkman for your response! I enjoy reading your posts on other people's photos as well. I'm learning a lot listening to you and others like you who are experts in this field :) The latch does not work and of course I have no key, so good thing it does not work. I read your comments about using gun oil for the metal and tung oil for the wood. I think I'll work on that soon.
Your trunk looks a lot like mine, which you can see here: http://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/54448-my-old-trunk
Trunkman gave me equally good information & advice. I also am pretty clueless about old trunks but love the way they look. Yours is very nice!