Posted 11 years ago
knelson
(1 item)
I always wanted an old trunk and got a great deal in an auction. I think it is a "Monitor" trunk. It is covered in a thin metal and has wood slats. The beautiful feature of this trunk is the condition of the inside compartments. The tray can be removed and is in perfect condition. I looks like at one time the inside was lined with paper or fabric. The hardware seems to be made of a thin metal. I can barely read the imprint on the hardware, but I think it says PAT 1880. I can't make out the rest. There are occasional decorative metal rosettes on the top and front. Any restoration tips? I hope it was a good find.
Welcome to CW!
If you love it then it is a good find indeed! I think it is an awesome trunk with an unusual slat pattern and great looking hardware. Yes this is a monitor trunk as you noted. I would date this around 1890 or so (the cast iron fingering on the corners place it around that time). You can lightly sand, stain and protect the wood slats with either tung oil or a semi-gloss polyurethane finish or perhaps another contributor could give a tip on finish. This will make them "pop". I usually just gun oil the hardware on my trunks because I like an original look. Hope this helps a little and thanks for the post!!!
Hey T-Mon, Did I mention using those green scouring pads for cleaning things? I've found they work great for a variety of things. Got a touch of rust in a gun or similar item, oil on the pad & it comes off with no damage to the piece. If too much rust, the rust in the oil will scratch the metal so have to watch that angle & change pads before the oil is too contaminated with "scratchy" rust. Works well with soap & water on dirty wood etc.. Try it.
Thanks for the tip BB2 -- I will give it a try!