Posted 8 years ago
himothra
(11 items)
Hello! I am in possession of a 1920s trunk which has a manufacturer's tag "Nick Forti Trunk Works" per attached photos.
Here's where I'm hoping you (collectively) can help. I've found reference for Forti Bros Trunk Works in Chicago at the address on the label, and I've found reference to a Nick Forti, Chicago Outfit, found dead/murdered in Detroit in the early 1920s. I can connect the dots in my mind, but I need something a bit more concrete to go on in order to say for sure there is a "mob" connection to this trunk (aside from obvious humor), or to compare to other Nick/Forti Bros. trunks.
I can't find an image or reference to the trunks or makers other than an old phone book, yet here the trunk sits.
Help?
Not really sure what you are looking for? You have a trunk with a makers label on it telling you who made it, and where it was made. This is something we don't often find on our trunks. I also confirmed that they did do business in the early 20's at that location. Your trunk is one of hundreds, if not thousands, of trunks made by that company. Weather or not the owner of the company was involved with organized crime (it was the 20's, who wasn't?) is a question you may or may not find answers to. Finding information on a trunk store in the 1920's is like finding information on a sandwich shop in the 1980's. Many of these businesses were never big enough or important enough, or were around long enough, to warrant more than a line of text giving their name and address. Many times that is all I find on makers and I am dealing with companies as old as the 1840's.
hmsantiquetrunks.com
Thank you! Looking for any additional facts that can provide history of the item. You are right, there is an address, and directory shows the company was there. Useful points are photos of other Forti trunks, details about the owners/manufacturers, a catalog, an advertisement, production records, tax records...you get the idea. Yes, it's a long shot. As I've learned, if you don't ask you don't get. Thanks for your reply!
Hello,
Regarding the Nick (Nicolo) Forti (Trunk), made my grandfather, had nothing to do with the “Mob”. He was wonderful, caring, and hard working man. He worked very hard for all of his life with his brother and his wife at two different locations, Clark street and then on Belmont, east of Central Ave. for many years.
Consider being fortunate to have one of his works of art.
I know he would smile knowing you have one.
Be safe!
Eric Z