Posted 9 years ago
Alicia12lv
(6 items)
Hi everyone ; ) I purchased this trunk yesterday and I love it! I am having some issues identifying who the possible maker is and around the date that this was made. I am also curious if what type of wood this is. It's a little dark. I was told that it was old, but I am not a pro. I am just starting to collect antique items and have a lot to learn. I put one coat I tung oil on it and that's it. I posted some photos of the front, back and sides. I would love any feedback. Thanks so much! Alicia
Alicia that is a beautiful oak slat trunk made around the 1880's-- quite possibly made by Excelsior... There were not a lot of makers of these as they were the high end craftsman style of trunk. I know a few other experts will be along to help identify a possible maker for you. Tung oil is the way to go on this... great find!!
Thanks Trunkman ; ) I found a few that were made by Excelsior but I wasn't sure. The wood looks darker than oak to me tho. I can't seem to find any markings on it.
The Excelsior mark was often on the leather patch on the front over the latch -- where it is part missing... the dark wood is just stain and time.... pretty sure that's all oak. You are welcome :)!
The patch is there but I don't see any markings on it. Also, on the latches on the front there are number 4's engraved on it. I'm not sure what that means either.
The leather patch is there but only half -- it originally covered the whole lock, and the name would have been on the missing part -- the number four represents the size of latch -- someone has a patent on those but I am unsure of who -- the latch sizes range from one to five -- (well I have never seen a six -- I have a five on my oak slat trunk). The hardware on most trunks were bought from an independent supplier..
Wonderful rare find,you have a keen eye to find this.There were very few makers
I believe 4 or 5 total. Always good to question the wood. trunk makers used these
hardwoods on there slats predominatly during the period of production.Oak, Ash,Hickory and Elm. Always remember that they used seasoned lumber,some manufacturers let it sit for up to 2 years before production .It was also cut from older more mature forests than now. Keep in mind that Different stains can darken wood as well as 100 yrs of age.
these factors make it very difficult to say for sure that it is oak(Oak was the more costly lumber of the time). Although it very well may be. Fantastic find.