Handsome Antique Doll Trunk With Fancy Fitted Tray

Frankly, antique doll trunks are not hard to find. That said, SPECIAL ones, especially in good condition, certainly are scarce. Mlle. Bereux is of necessity always on the hunt, and is very pleased to be able to present this excellent example to her Dear Customers.

Please allow me to elaborate on the unique features of this small trunk. The exterior has a painted canvas covering the outside. Unusually, it is hand painted with a faux wood-grain pattern in a very effective and decorative manner. There are additionally printed paper ornamental strips extending over the front, back and domed lid of the trunk. Wood and metal strapping protect the painted and printed finishes. There are metal corner protectors, and four tiny wheels on the bottom. At one point, there were two leather handles on either side, but these are now missing, though one that has detached is still with the trunk and will be included. There is a clasp on the front, though there is no key. Inside, the interior is completely lined in paper, with the papers on the lids of the tray and one interior compartment in the lid of a more ornamental glazed variety. There are three chromo scraps decorating the interior spaces. The tray lifts out to reveal a plainly papered lower section. Please study the photos to see the construction and decoration of the tray and interior of this piece. There was likely another papered lid covering the empty space in the trunk lid, but this is now long-gone. The other two remaining lids on the tray are in good shape, with just a bit of weakness to the hinge on the domed section. Note that one of the scrap images is of St. Nicolas!

The trunk measures 16 x 10 x 9" (40.5 x 25.5 x 23 cm). I believe that is it American in manufacture. There are a few bumps and bruises to the edges of the trunk on the exterior and a crack to a panel on the back side. There is a bit of water staining to the plain papers lining the interior. As is true with virtually all trunks of this age, there is a whiff of smell to the interior due to the aging of the papers used to line it. This should air out, especially if the trunk is displayed open. The box needed to ship this item will be necessarily larger and somewhat heavy, hence the shipping fees. Still, do not hesitate if you have been holding out for an ornamental trunk that will hold a quantity of clothing and accessories for your doll!