Posted 11 years ago
robinsong6
(2 items)
I don't know much about this trunk. I got it from my Aunt about 10 years ago and finally got around to trying to do something with it. It belonged to her parents. Her father worked for the railroad. When I opened the trunk I found two vintage dresses and a pair of shoes, shaving soap and a brush handle (the brush part for the lather was missing) and some old medicine bottles with corks and wire pull tops. On the top left side, it looks like someone stood on the truck and put their foot through the lid so there is some damage. I know it isn't worth a whole lot and I'm wondering is it worth putting the money into it to have it repaired. So far all I have done is clean it with murphy's oil soap and a little linseed oil. I love the trunk as it is and plan to use it for storing board games and puzzles for the grankids.
Forgot that I found a receipt in the trunck too. Looked at it and the date on it is 1925.
Lovely old "Beater" trunk with tons of character. I think you are on the right track with cleaning it up and enjoying it pretty much "as is", apart from doing some repairs on the lid. The value is in its history and its connection to family, which is worth more than an expensive trunk that you have no connection to. Spending a little money to fix it up is an investment in yourself so I say go for it. Also a little gun oil on the metal with help dissipate the rust. I think it is a little older than 1925 -- looks to be about 1900 or so, but if the receipt is for the trunk then.... Thanks for the post and Welcome to CW!!!
The receipt was for $4.30 and I'm not sure it was for the trunk. Thanks for the gun oil tip. Do you know of anyone in South Georgia who repairs trunks?
Sorry but I am not from the US. Someone who restores antique furniture should be able to tackle that project if you cannot find someone specifically for trunks. Good luck!
Thanks!
Love your old trunk. I just going through and looking at all of the old trunks. So much fun. I got a tip here with the gun oil cleaning. Thanks again trunk man.