Posted 4 years ago
GeorgesD
(2 items)
Hello !
I live in Switzerland and recently bought this old trunk here.
The two latches have a big "5" marked on it ; third picture is a patch glued on the side, and it also has four wheels rollers underneath.
After doing some homework, I figured that it may be an antique American flat trunk, 1870's or 1880's maybe...?
My point is, I would like to fix it up a little bit, but do not want to disfigure it, and so if anyone had an idea about its original look (or, even better, its maker and age), it would be great !
As you can see, lock is missing, but I found another one, which I think could do the trick, and also respect the timeline...?
Wondering also about the canvas, in poor shape : do you think that I should remove all of it and let the wood beneath appear ?
Thank you very much for your advice !
Also, there is a “ghost lock“ appearing on the right of where was the original one (a replacement lock, at least that's my guess!). Or do you think that maybe it was some kind of a two locks trunk right from the beginning ?
You may want to have a look at the trunk from a few posts back as it may have many answers for your questions. https://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/281376-steamer-trunk?in=1169-activity
Hello Switzerland, your trunk is from right around early 1900's, the latches were patented in 1878 and were made in sizes 1 through 5, it is American made, pretty rough shape, without a maker label or identifiable hardware impossible to say who the maker was, very common trunk made by many makers at the time. It was not a double lock trunk, it was probably locked, locks get broken or removed to gain access, the lock you have is much older then the trunk but will work, nice lock, I would remove the canvas, looks to be all wood under it, the trunk also had leather straps at one time. good luck with it.
The identifiable hardware on this trunk with the fleur-de-lis design and rubber bumpers to me indicates as with the post previously mentioned, the trunk was probably made by The Drucker Trunk Company, Cincinnati, Ohio.
I guess it must be a Drucker trunk then.
Many thanks for your expertise ! I will try to take good care of this old lion then ;)