Treasured Chests - Antique Trunk Restoration, Yours or Ours

Miscellaneous Trunk Styles

Steel Trunks

When steel became more available several manufacturers in England started stamping trunks out of steel. Much different from other antique trunks they are very collectable. Most have solid brass trim and locks. Most also had real or simulated heavy knobs on top to protect the trunk when other trunks were stacked on top. Below is an example of a steel trunk. This particular trunk is for sale at Treasured Chests as-is. It's in very good condition with its original paint. Both of the labels shown below are in the trunk. The lock is solid brass. The trunk measures 26" long x 16" deep (front to back) x 16" tall. (See our Showroom page for ordering instructions. Note that this is Trunk # BE-08-07. Price $499).

Doncaster Steel Trunk From Jones Brother, Wolverhampton & London, England
Doncaster Steel Trunk from England

Doncaster Steel Trunk From Jones Brother, Wolverhampton & London, England; Shop Label

Doncaster Steel Trunk From Jones Brother, Wolverhampton & London, England; Manufacturer Label

Labels inside the Doncaster Trunk (See Labels page for more labels.)

Salesmen's Sample Cases

Many trunk companies made miniature sample cases for salesmen representing many other companies. Below is an example of a case that was made for the Pettibone Company, "Manufacturers Of Regalia, Supplies and Costumes For All Secret Societies, Military and Band Uniforms And Equipment".

Antique Pettibone Salesman's Sample Case, Outside

Antique Pettibone Salesman's Sample Case, Inside
Many thanks to RP in Mansfield, Arkansas for both the photos above.

Sole Leather Trunks

These trunks were made almost completely of leather. Most of these have not fared well since leather will eventually deteriorate unless kept in a controlled atmosphere. We can save the ones that have made it by treating the leather with a good leather preservative. Most of the sole leather trunks had a very light metal frame covered with a layer of cardboard and then the leather layer. The example below has one of the prettiest interiors of any trunk we've ever found. It dates back to the 1860s. It measures 30" long x 18" deep (front to back) x 19" tall. Note the very nice tray and compartment that completely fills the interior of the lid.

Antique Sole Leather Trunk, Outside
Sole leather trunk