Small Antique Curved Top Wood Trunk Circa 1870

Antiques : Furniture

 

This trunk is such a great size for display, I believe it was probably meant to hold the belongings of a traveler on a stagecoach or possibly the belongings of a child. The latch has a patent date on it of Nov 30 69. This would indicate the trunk was made sometime after, but probably near that date in 1869.

The trunk has a slightly curved top and is made of wood and trimmed in metal. At one time it was covered in paper, remnants of which still remain on over 75% of the trunk. The paper has faded but it appears it was an iron red color with black banding and a red on red design.

The trunk still has its original inset tray, which is approx 2" deep. The inside of the trunk was covered in paper that has a yellowish background with a green lattice design over it. There is very little difference between the 2 colors.

At one time the trunk locked, but apparently the key was lost and a previous owner was determined to get into the trunk, and cut the bottom part of the latch out. This intentional damage to the trunk was done some time ago as the wood has oxidized to a dark color.

The trunk measures approx 23½" long, 11" deep and 10" high. It is in good condition. Most of the exterior covering is intact, the metal trim is in good condition, but does show wear. The top had 4 "buttons" on top, one is missing. The top has some splitting caused by drying of the wood. The inside of the trunk has some red ink stains and the paper is about 50% missing. The handles of the trunk appear to be some sort "man made" material, possibly paper, which has lost much of the covering it had at one time. The handles are stiff but sound. A previous owner may have coated the trunk in varnish or some other coating to stabilize the paper.

Item ID: 1848