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Posted 1 year ago
trunkman
(107 items)
Here is a wonderful tapestry covered trunk made by R. L . Miller of East Saginaw Michigan. I have only seen one other example of a tapestry covered trunk, so I will work under the assumption that they are a little hard to come by. I took a impulsive three hour drive to pick up this beauty on rainy fall day into the mountains of Quebec. Stopped along the way at a local Casse Croute and had a poutine to finish the day. Great memory -- awesome trunk. I would be delighted to see another example of this kind of trunk. Is this properly called a tapestry trunk or carpet covered trunk or some other moniker?
TrunksAntique trunks, also called traveling chests, were originally used as lugga…
Hi trunkman, I really like your trunk. Yes, I would call it a carpet or tapestry trunk too. After all trunk makers made carpet bags for many years from the mid 1800's, so why not put some of the carpet on a trunk? Does your trunk have the inner tray? I've seen a variety of these over the last 30 years but they are hard to find. I have a miniature one just 18" wide and 12" tall with a label from Denver, CO. Also another small one that is a hat trunk style, about 18" wide and 18" tall. I would say yours is from about 1885 to 1890 based on the hardware, lock, etc. Those front latches were patented in 1882 and used by many trunk makers into the early 1900's. I have one small trunk, not a carpet trunk, made by the Miller company in Michigan, but this one would be a great addition to the collection should you think of selling it. Not to mention that my name is also Miller, so I'd take very good care of it! Thanks, Marvin
Hi Marvin -- thank you so much for your comments, I really appreciate your input. When I entered this forum I had little idea of the expertise of people such as yourself making these wonderful comments on pieces. I put my nickname as trunkman, but I wanted to change it to trunkmonkey (couldn't find how), 'cause really, you are the trunkman as far as I am concerned. If ever I feel a need to lighten the trunk load you will get first dibs... and yes the inner compartments are in tact on the lid (but sadly no tray-- or maybe this model did not have one) I am looking forward to more of your comments on mine and other contributers...
Thanks hedgewalker, vanskyock24, nwclocks, homesteadantiques, jackart, rocker-sd, bellings, toolate2, for the love and Marvin for the comment. Great group of people here on cw...
Thanks mikielikesigns for the upvote!
toolate2 - thanks for love and right back at ya...
Really nice collection !! I used to have one shaped like the first picture, it was red from all the pressed tin decoration that it had. It was in beautiful shape and I used it for years, then finally sold it. I still miss it at times...Phil.
Thanks eye4beauty and PhilDavid for the nice comments. I have trunk sellers regret on a couple of pieces still...
Thanks Bruce99 inky and mikkoChristmas11 for the visit!
VERY, VERY NICE!!
Thanks mikielikesigns2, Manikin and collector4evr for the love...
trunkman_to gain a little info on R.L.Miller of East Saginaw check out the obit section at Hoyt Library Saginaw Michigan.
trunkman-forgot to mention in my previous message a great researcher at the Hoyt Library is Leo LeFevre his e/mail is llefevre@saginawlibrary.org
Thanks for the Love passion4trunks and spiritinthesky3!
hi trunkman
your right this one is rare -- we have never seen one until your listing and i have not even come across one in the reference books -- a most unusual beauty -- miller trunks did some outstanding work with typically nice hardware and very well built -- at least the ones we have restored for others -- in my opinion -- i would not do a thing with it as so few i am sure have survived
The funny thing is that I was going to remove the carpet when I first got it! Thanks for the lovely comment epson233.
your welcome trunkman -- got your fishing pole packed
Just checking out all of your trunks. This one is incredible! I love it!
Thanks myoldkyhome -- I appreciate the visit and the comment!