Posted 9 years ago
SherwoodTr…
(34 items)
Just scored three trunks this weekend - so happy spring is almost here in Massachusetts. Wondering if anyone has info on the trunk maker of this fine beauty - there are two initials on front latch - looks like a B inside a B. Canvas is in great shape except for light tear on one side. Trunk is super heavy - about 50 plus pounds empty. Measures 34 L x 22 x 23. Inside is in perfect shape with a tray. Curious about the initials. any info appreciated - thanks fellow trunkers. k
Great looking original condition,My thoughts are, that it is more than likely a Barnard Bros. of Worcester Mass.trunk. I have a trunk that is Steamer size (1/2 the size of the one that you have posted) with almost the same hardware, W.H.Hart patented heavy duty hinges. The metal edge guards ,lock Etc. It had a partial blue and white quarter of a label inside that said " Bar". It was unsalvagable but I was able to match it to another image I found on the internet. to confirm.
http://images.craigslist.org/00N0N_c7wCUaHq0dE_600x450.jpg
Hope the link still works ,hope this helps.
http://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/pages/US527975-0.png
thanks for the info Drill - loved seeing the patent image of the hinge. I love the metal edge guards - can't believe how heavy this trunk is empty - I usually can move the trunks by myself but this one is definitely needs two people to move. And no wheels on the bottom - I found this interesting as all three trunks that I acquired this weekend don't have wheels - yet all three are super sturdy and extremely well made - maybe the guy or gal who took care of adding them was out sick that day. :)
I have found that more trunks do not have wheels, Maybe it was an option,like power windows on your car. Maybe it has to do with the way that they traveled. Most were probably moved around using trunk carts ,loading on to trains or steam ships.What do I need wheels for when luggage handlers were bashing them around for me? These things were around when cheap labor was plentiful .As I recall the interstate commerce commission started regulating shipping container weights, playing with freight tariffs some time in the early 1900s. This changed everything.
including trunk design.
Beautiful condition! I agree, probably a Barnard Brothers trunk.