Posted 12 years ago
trunkingfo…
(13 items)
It is a real steamer, 36 x 21 x 12 inches high. Brass hardware and nails. Leather covered and trimmed and that all has to go. The inside is there with an embedded lid stay. There is also a system to hold the tray up in the lid when opened. It is a little brass lever. The covering of the tray is linen but in poor shape, ribbons are deteriorated as is the label. It looks like a ton of work. I would love comments and hints or recommendations. Thanks.
Great trunk! I would strip off all the leather -- it is shot and cannot be restored only replaced -- not worth it. The linen inside looks to be in bad shape. I would take out all the linen but I would cut out the emblem and glue it back on the same spot to preserve it. I would gun oil the metal to see if it came back to a reasonable look, or paint it flat or satin black and shine up the brass. So great that you have key -- how rare is that!!
I must say that I do not think the key is original. The detail on the hardware is remarkable. The base of the lock has crouch and fitzgerald stamped around the ledge. C&F stamped on the handles, even the washer on the rivets for the lid stay say crouch and fitzgerald, as well as the C&F on the drawbolts and each of the handle keepers. No mark on the key, so...
hi betsy -- just got your email -- that emblem maybe water soluble & brittle -- so take it slow -- if it came into the shop -- i know ted and i would take it totally apart and replace the leather with new -- lucky i have ted as that is a total job nightmare -- but that is just us -- you got the telephone number if you get stuck -- stay warm and be careful not to fall on the ice -- have a great week -- autumn 360-433-2805
This is a nightmare of clinch nails and rivets!
Are you taking it all apart?
Oh, I am takng it all apart, against my will. The top panels were broken in important places, the leather trim had to go, the staves are or but due to excessive damage in certain spots I am turning them. I am learning that well made is VERY hard to come apart. Tonight I am frustrated asd I found yet more rivets!
Brave -- very brave. And here I thought you were trunking for fun! Well it will all be worth it when you are done -- these are hard to come by.
Brave or foolhardy. It is true that ones learns as one goes. On this one I have learned the real meaning of well made. Also the limits of my ability and patience. I will not give up but the outcome is unsure. Hope you are correct about "well worth it." Thanks for encouragement.