Posted 9 years ago
fromagette
(1 item)
My husband bought this at a garage sale for $5 nearly 20 years ago and we are now getting around to making it into a piece of furniture for our home. It has what we believe to be a Star lock (with the most recent patent date being Feb 70) and is covered in zinc with a pattern made with nails. The lithograph was pretty moldy, but when we wiped it off it was still fairly clear. The top is slightly curved from front to back. We have no idea how old it is (though from the lock the earliest it could be made is 1870) or who made it and I haven't seen anything like it anywhere on the internet. Anyone have any ideas?
Hi, nice old trunk! You're correct the lock was made and patented by the Star Lock Works of Philadelphia. They made these locks for over 20 years based on other trunks I've seen and could determine the age on. This style with the zinc covering was most popular from the late 1860's to the mid 1880's when the embossed metal came out and was more popular. So then the zinc trunks were out of style. So I would say it was probably mid to late 1870's. Some wonder why they used zinc covering and it was primarily because it was very corrosion resistant. It just turns gray as it ages. I'm sure quite a few trunk companies made them and there is often no label in them. I hope it cleans up nicely for you and that you enjoy using it. I have a few of the old zinc trunks also. Marvin ThisOldTrunk.com
Nice to see a slightly older trunk still surviving with the heavy leather handles just nailed on the ends ,(no handle clamps).
The leather straps instead of latch bolts,(even though they need repairing), look great when restored.A Wonderful scene of the hunt in the older lithograph as well.
good luck with the piece,and welcome to CW.