Posted 13 years ago
TrunkerMar…
(32 items)
I'm a trunk collector and my collection includes samples of very small trunks (doll or toy trunks) and the full size trunks. These pictures show my favorite Jenny Lind style doll/toy trunk, only 12" wide, and a full size similar style trunk that is 30" wide. These fancy trunks were named for Jenny Lind when she came to tour America in 1850 to 1852 with P.T. Barnum. She was the most famous singer of her time and had already become famous in Europe where she had performed for 10 years. But these trunks became extremely popular during the 1850's and continued to be made and used until about 1870 based on my research. They were used by men, women, and children and were made in many sizes and variations of the unique shape. Some were made of thick solid sole leather and others were completely wood with coverings of leather, paper or even oil cloth (treated canvas fabric). This little doll trunk is totally original with thin red leather, stenciled with fancy designs, and has brass banding. The interior is complete with the paper covered tray and lid compartment. It even has small brass ring handles on the sides and a working lock and key.
The larger Jenny Lind trunk are usually refinished because the covering leather or material is often too deteriorated to preserve. I've recently found some information which indicates that the first Jenny Lind trunks were probably made in New York City for Jenny Lind. These are a true American collectible.
have any idea where my paper jenny lind i posted earlier may have been made?
Most likely somewhere in the northeast U.S. because that's where most of the U.S trunk makers were at that time, but it could have been made in other U.S. states also as most had trunk makers too. Only about 10% of the trunks I've seen or find have a maker's label in them. Some Jenny Lind trunks did have labels in them and some did not. So without a label it is nearly impossible to know where it was made.
Most of the trunk locks in the 1850's to 1860's were made by James Terry & Co. in Terryville, CT which became Eagle Lock Co. in 1854 or C. Liebrich in Philadelphia which became Star Lock Co. in 1869, and a couple other smaller lock makers. Some American trunk makers even used English made locks during those years because they were being imported. This information was obtained from an early book on the history of American lock makers.
i do have a key a working lock with this one. i'll see if i can figure out the maker
thanks
Marvin, I just noticed the jenny lind on the right don't know how I missed it before. Man that is nice. I've noticed I think you've sone some of these in leather and this one in natural wood. Any reason for that, or just wanted something different? I assume this one was leather originally. How many bosses does it have?
Senor_trunk, that large Jenny Lind had leather but it was too rotten to save and the wood was beautiful when refinished. It was a 30" trunk I had but sold. I just wanted people to see what some of the large ones looked like compared to the doll size trunks. This big one had about 64 large brass buttons and brass bands. I believe it also had the lock made by J.Terry & Co of Terryville, CT around 1852. It's pretty rare to find nice original leather on trunks this old.
maybe thats what mine is can u check mine out marvin on my site and see what u think
Just found this site. That is a Beautiful toy trunk. What is the specific color? Thanks, Ribs
Hi Ribs, I think the original color of the covering is a burgundy. Not sure what else to call it. I have only seen a couple with this color covering before.
Marvin
it's very beautiful
Thanks. I appreciate how you note the source of the info. Your work is beautiful. The experience you share with all of us is priceless. : )
Two incredible show pieces!! Absolutely incredible!!
Thanks for your comments jscotto and CindB!