Posted 8 years ago
Karoo185
(1 item)
I purchased this trunk from a thrift store this week. The lock on the front reads "Eagle Lock Co. Terryville, CONN, USA; Pat'd Dec 6 1892". It appears in pretty good condition although the leather straps on the front are partially torn off and missing. There is a faint red stamp on the bottom of the trunk, which I believe says "38". On both sides of the trunk there are stamped black initials which read "LC". Inside of the trunk are 2 removable shelves.
I would love to know more about this trunk. When was it made? By whom? What does "LC" stand for? Was the trunk made in 1892 or is that simply when the company got it's first patent?
Very nice flat top packing trunk you have here. Though the leather straps are broken, this is quite common for it's age. Though the patent date of the lock is 1892, your trunk was more than likely manufactured between that period and the early 1900's.
This trunk is in incredible condition. It looks like a good exterior cleaning is about all this one needs. Very nice find!!! Thank you for sharing with us.
Thank you! Any recommendations for how to clean the exterior without damaging it? The materials its made of are (I believe) wood, leather, fabric (?), and brass (?).
A clean cloth with some soapy water will help. I use Howard feed and wax wood polish orange oil on my canvas trunk -- a little tip from a fellow trunker on this site -- and it helps restore the luster of the canvas. Nice trunk -- welcome to collectors weekly!
Definitely clean it as trunkman said. You might even try Daddy Van's natural beeswax furniture polish on the wood and canvas covering, after you've cleaned it. But, I really like both products.
As far as the brass, the only piece that's solid brass on this one is the lock and lock plate. The rest of your hardware is just plated. So, be careful with the hardware as the plating comes off very easily. I would simply use "0000" grade steel wool for the hardware and maybe even the wood slats as well.
You have a really awesome trunk here. I've yet to come across one of these in such fine condition. Once you've completed this trunk, I'll assure you that it won't be your last. Collecting trunks can be very addictive:)
Thank you for your feedback! I'm looking forward to learning how to restore my new find!
I have one and I'm wondering what would I do if I wanted to sell it it's it's in fair condition it comes with the shelf
Put it on craigslist, facebook, ebay, give a description and a price.