Posted 4 years ago
mjw7258
(1 item)
Hi all! I acquired this domed trunk with no knowledge about it. It's very eye catching but not in great shape regarding the hardware (the hinges are shot and the lock doesn't seem original and the lid lift is gone/ barely hanging on). A previous owner made some modifications as well with the wall paper stapled over the interior, a few bolts here and there that are modern and looks like part of the lock is new. But all said, I think it's still a lovely piece of history. Does anyone recognize it or any of the features? I really love the star relief. My ultimate goal is to do some restoration myself and use it in our home, but I'd love to get some input from you all as to its origins and what I should be looking at in terms of restoration. What do you guys think?
Welcome to CW! You came to the right place. There are some serious "trunk people" among our members. I certain that you will get some great feedback.
Thank you! I hope so!
This site has already been so helpful. From @trunkermarvin's site I found this catalog page with the star embossed pattern. From his info it seems the that pattern was likely used by multiple trunk makers at the time, but it's still really cool to see!
http://www.thisoldtrunk.com/store/index.php?main_page=popup_image_additional&pID=663&pic=3&products_image_large_additional=images/trunks2/T117_20161206_EmbossedMetal_04.JPG
Also just learned it's not really a steamer because it's 24" tall which is more than the 14" to be a steamer, so apologies! Still learning here!
well i would say this is toward the end of the run for the round top trunk, early 19oo's, 1910 to 1920, I don't believe they made them past 1920 give or take a bit, I say this because of the latches that look original, and the fact the trunk has the embossed star tin on the top and front only and not all the way around, i don't see the star pattern very often, I believe the lock is original to the trunk, the bottom part has been removed at some time, probably to get in the trunk because it was locked and it has been painted silver, also the pressed tin handle caps were later, hinges can be replaced, not in to bad of shape, I've worked on much worse, with out a makers label hard to say who the maker was, many trunks didn't have labels at all, good luck with it.
@greendog, thanks so much! That is very helpful! I am going to remove the wallpaper and look for any other markings but so far I haven't found anything. Would you remove all the modern hardware and replace with replica hardware? Also interesting observation about it being painted silver. I had originally thought it looked like the background was painted brownish, especially obvious on the two outer stripes and the stars were silver, some areas under the lid look gold in color. From reading about the pressed metal designs it seems like it could be any version of this! Would you remove all color/oxidation/grime/whatever else is on the metal?
Anyways, I'm excited, been flipping through some other the other trunks and comments on this site and have learned a lot already!
All the hardware that is on the trunk is original, like I said, I believe this is a later trunk, at the very least I would remove the paper on the inside and give it a good cleaning, from the pictures the trunk probably was gold in color, need to replace the hinges for it to open and close properly, how far you take it is up to you.