Posted 9 years ago
kpz
(1 item)
I found this trunk for free on Craigslist and snagged it right away. I originally planned to repurpose it into a coffee table but after some research, I think I'd like to clean it up and keep as is. From what I've found on the internet, it appears to be an Eagle Lock Co trunk. I believe it's a flat top but it does appear to have a slight curve. The inside of the trunk has the tray and it is covered in fabric, not paper. I have all the pieces of the leather straps but they unfortunately are pretty brittle and fell apart when I loaded it.
I guess I'm looking for any ideas or suggestions you have on cleaning it up and if anyone has information on the trunk. The metal parts are a gold color on most of the trunk but on the right side are black. Could they have tarnished or are they a different kind of hardware? What should I use to refinish them?
Any advice is welcome! I have already fallen in love with this beautiful piece of history.
It looks like someone started working on this one but never finished it. It appears they removed the original covering, refinished the wood and started to paint the metal hardware. They painted the original black metal with gold paint, most trunks this style had black hardware. You can replace the handles just be careful taking off the metal pieces holding them in place. The nails that are holding them would be curled over on the inside of the trunk if you pull them out you will damage the wood. You have to locate the end of the nail on the inside uncurl the end and cut the curled section off, then you can pull the nail out. Or cut the head of the nail off. For handles I purchase old leather belts and cut them to size or there are a lot of sites on the internet that sell replacement handles as well as the long straps that go over the trunk. There are a lot of talented folks on this site who do amazing work restoring old trunks sure they can provide tips on finishing this one up. It is worth the time and effort to restore it.
Nice find, it looks like a lot of the work has been done for you. Certainly can"t beat the price.
Hi kpc, nice find! The trunk is an American made trunk from about 1910, give or take several years as these were made with that type hardware from around 1900 to the early 1920's. The Eagle Lock Co made many types of trunk locks but they never made trunks. This style was very popular and made by many American trunk companies. KathyKay is correct, someone has removed the old covering and repainted some of the metal trim. Some of these did have brass plated latches, locks, and other hardware pieces, but some were just black. Very nice original style leather straps, holders, and handles are available from BrettunsVillage.com. I'm sure you can have the trunk looking great with a little work. P.S. if you would like to find an original style Eagle key for your lock you can contact me at Marvin@ThisOldTrunk.com