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Posted 3 months, 23 days ago
drumheller
(3 items)
This trunk was at the dump so we rescued it about 4 years ago. I am just trying to identify it. It has some lettering on it that says "Prince Imperial" Also has some partial lettering on the right side and can only make out Transfer Co. and a street name. It does have patent dates on the brass lock plate of: Sept. 3, 1867; Aug. 12, 1879 and March 16, 1869. Also I am wondering about the decals on the lid interior, what is the significance of these and if it actually can trace the origin of the piece? It is actually in nice condition and has wheels on the bottom four corners.
Nice dump find! It appears in pretty good condition. There were probably hundreds of different trunk manufacture in the 1800's. As just about every one had one, like the modern day suit case. This is often called a camelback trunk, because of the hump back. It was designed this way because the typical mode of transportation at the time, ships and railroad, would stack the trunks. This designed guaranteed your trunk would be on top.
Wow, didnt expect a response so quick!! Thank You for your input. Very much appreciated. :)
I love old trunks. Yours is a really nice one. People in my building throw trunks out quite often. I have a few of them, but none as nice as yours.
I am wanting to sell this trunk.....would it be better if I restored it or left as is? It is in really good shape and hate to mess with a good thing.
Nice trunk as is.
I would recommend you leave it alone-- I am not a fan of restored trunks. I have seen some that look like they were made yesterday and (in my opinion) have lost their character.
Others may not share my views.
Scott
I tend to agree with you scott......thank you for your input! :)
drumheller: the 1900 Sears catalog has several pages devoted to trunks-very good illustrations-descriptions and prices.The original catalog is hard to come by but there is several reproductions that are quite good.
Beautiful craftsmanship. Clean it up with basic household products and you will be quite surprised at the outcome. You are very lucky, great score !!!
Does anyone know how much this trunk is worth? I have a very similar one with a Grecian pattern imbedded in tin but with a Yale & towne lock. it also has wheels on bottom and a Victorian lithograph of a girl in a sailors outfit holding a cat...