Posted 7 years ago
Bailey0384
(1 item)
Hello,
I bought this old trunk at a local antiques store yesterday. I'm wondering if anyone can help me learn more about it. It's a barrel trunk and I t's pretty big: 30 in tall, 36 in wide, 21 in deep. The lock on the front does indicate the lock maker "Star Lock Works - Phila - Pat'd 69". There is also a date on one of the side pieces of hardware that says "Pat'd Mar 1880". The paper "girl" decorations on the inside are in pretty bad shape, but still really neat. I don't plan to do a thing with it but display it in its current condition. There is also a name(s) on one side that says "M. M. J. Wood, Fort Worth, Texas."
I would just like to learn as much about it as I can - I'm fascinated by it.
Hi Bailey0384 very cool, yes barrel top cross slat trunk patented 1880 along with the hardware that says 1880 by C.A. Taylor, probably from around late 1880's early 1890's or so. has some really nice hardware on it, first time for me that I've seen canvas on a round top trunk, that's cool I love everything about it, nice trunk.
Hello, a very nice barrel top trunk. Great that it has the original tray and lid compartment since so many of those are missing. I've only had a few of the barrel tops with canvas covering in many years, so they are harder to find. That's a great Star lock. If you're looking for a key I have one for that type lock. The patented parts and locks were used for many years, so the trunk could have been made in the 1890's or even into the 1910's according to old trunk catalogs. Since there were so many trunk makers during that period there is a lot of variety in these trunks and the hardware they used. Great find!
Thanks, greendog & TrunkerMarvin, appreciate the information. Is there anything I can do to it to clean up the metal parts on it, without further damaging anything (the surrounding fabric for example)?
TrunkerMarvin, yes, I would be very much interested in a key for the lock.
It is mind blowing to me that I have something in my possession that was used 140+ years ago - think of all that has happened between now and then, and this trunk has survived it all. Things just aren't made like this anymore.
Thanks everyone
Bailey, I can help with a key but can't promote or sell on this site, so please contact me directly at Marvin@ThisOldTrunk.com and I can send you the information and picture. Thanks
I never realized that its rare to find a canvas covered barrel top trunk but now that I come to think of it can't say I have ever come across one -- the canvas on this one is new to me too -- really like the look!
Hey Bailey0384
I have a similar trunk but mine is missing the insides would love to see more picture of the inside to see what it look liked originally
Not sure if you have come across it but on the shoulder, they may be an imprint on one of the trimmings with a date stamp on it