Posted 10 years ago
Naomiogaz23
(1 item)
I was recently given a family heirloom as a gift to use at my wedding reception to hold gifts & cards. The trunk has been in my fiance's family for for generations but his grandmother doesn't know exactly how old it is. His grandmother is 72 years old and she said it belonged to her father's mother. It's not in great condition because it was stored in a shed (for who knows how long) and it definitely needs some TLC. It looks like it use to be lined with some type of paper and has a wooden tray that goes on top of the inside of the trunk. It also has 4 small caster wheels on the bottom. I have no clue who is the mfg and do not know where to look to determine who made it or when. I was wandering if someone could help me determine how old it is and what would be the best way of refinishing the family treasure? I would love to surprise his grandmother with it after I restore it and use it for our wedding reception next April.
That is a really cool story and idea. There is work to be done on this trunk but it will be well worth it. And a terrific honor for the family. It is a round top, cross slat style. Are the clasp on the draw bolts still spring loaded? Do they flip into place? How about the bottom? that metal on the front will have to be replaced. Looks like plenty of fun. Good luck.
I don't think so but they do flip into place. Surprisingly the bottom doesn't look bad at all and all 4 small caster wheels are in good condition and work. None of the wood is in bad condition, just needs to be refinished with a nice stain. The metal on the bottom has rusted but I'm not sure what I should do to repair it? Remove it or leave it? I really want to try to keep it as original as possible.
I understand wanting to leave it as original as possible but my opinion is that metal on the front has to be dealt with. I would first steel wool it and then seal with shelac. Then place "new" (old but sound) duplicate metal on top of it. Next, tack to match the other trim metal. Finish by shelac to match the rest of the restored trunk. I have done this successfully when a small patch was needed. This is a bit of a larger area but I think it will work, too. Have fun.