The average American made antique trunk is worth about $100 to $300 depending on the style, size and condition. If fully restored prices can be anywhere from $400 to $1300.
How do I know if my old trunk is valuable?
If you paint anything on the trunk black or gold (metal banding, corners, etc) the trunk’s value will fall in the low end of the range. Having the original key pushes the value up, as do any types of tags or labels indicating who made the trunk. Remember – these are general guidelines, every trunk is different.
How old is a steamer trunk?
Steamer trunks (named after their location of storage in the cabin of a steam ship, or “steamer”) which are sometimes referred to as flat-tops, first appeared in the late 1870s, although the greater bulk of them date from the 1880–1920 period.
What can you do with a steamer trunk?
Protect the top of a leather or very old wooden trunk with a sheet of glass or a metal tray to avoid water rings and provide stability to glassware or decorative objects. The generous space inside of a coffee table-sized steamer trunk works to store clothes or bedding and pillows for occasional couch surfers.How do you clean an old steamer trunk?
Mix up a 1/2 cup of Murphy’s Oil Soap in a bucket of warm water. Dip a sponge in the solution and wring it out until it’s damp, not sloppy wet. Wipe the inside of the old steamer trunk out until it’s clean. Rinse and wring the sponge out as needed.
What is an antique steamer trunk?
An antique steamer trunk, also called a travel trunk was used for transporting clothing and personal effects when traveling. Steamer trunk is a generic term that was coined from a particular type of trunk that was only about 14 inches tall.
How do you identify a steamer trunk?
Looking at it from the side, it resembles an “8” (or a loaf of bread) because it curves inward in the middle, where it latches. Travel/Steamer Trunks: Mostly flat tops, these trunks were made and designed for traveling purposes and being places in snug spaces.
Why do steamer trunks have curved tops?
The curved top not only offered a little more storage space, it meant that when traveling it had to be placed on the top of the stack, and not the bottom, thereby reducing the likelihood of damage. What’s it Worth? Whether flat-top or dome-top, many people love their trunks.How much is a steamer trunk worth?
This trunk is called a steamer wardrobe trunk and they can sell for $75 – $500 and up. Name brands usually bring in more money. Condition is critical for high price and it is not really easy to tell the true condition from pictures. That is something you’ll have to determine for yourself.
What can you do with an old trunk?A vintage trunk can be also turned into a home bar, just renovate or decorate it as you need and then put on some legs of your choice, or put several trunks on each other. Voila! you can use the top or open the chest and place bottles and glasses inside.
Article first time published onWhat kind of wood are steamer trunks made of?
They were usually made of pine and covered in decorative material or leather. Some of the more recognizable styles of trunks include the Jenny Lind, Saratoga, steamer, barrel-top (also known as “Camelback Trunks”), and full dresser trunks.
What is the top of a trunk called?
Box– The top and bottom frame of the trunk are called the box. The box was made of a light, strong wood such as Pine and Basswood. These were the woods of choice and used in almost all cases. I have seen a few early trunks (1860-1870) that were made of Poplar, but never other woods like Cedar, Ash, Hickory or Elm.
Can you take a steamer trunk on a plane?
Yes, it is. That trunk weighs 29 pounds! If you are traveling in economy, you’ll have to pay overweight fees if your bag is over 50 pounds. right now they will take any kind of “trunk” may it be an elephant’s or a wood one as the planes are empty.
How much do old trunks sell for?
With the above information in consideration the average American made trunk is worth about 100 to 300 depending on the style, size and condition. If fully restored prices can be anywhere from $400 to $900. Most french made trunks will bring over $2,000 or more.
How do you restore old rusted metal trunks?
Rub the rust in a circular motion with steel wool, remembering that steel and tin, which are harder, may require a wire brush, while brass, which is softer, might be quickly restored with steel wool. Still, a heavy buildup of rust on brass might require the wire brush.
How do you get the smell out of a steamer trunk?
- Vacuum the interior carefully and then set it outside in direct sunlight for a day.
- Wad up newspapers and fill the interior with them. …
- Next, spread out fresh newspapers. …
- Repeat these steps until the smell has lessened.
How do you clean an old trunk?
Clean metal antique trunks with a mixture of one part white vinegar and one part water in a spray bottle. Gently clean paper lined trunk interiors by spraying the vinegar solution on your cleaning cloth and carefully wiping down the interior.
What companies made steamer trunks?
These were extremely prestigious trunks, made in dome-top, flat-top, and bevel-top styles. Well-known malletiers (trunk makers) include Louis Vuitton, Goyard, Moynat, Haskell Brothers, M. M. Secor, Leatheroid, Clinton, Hartmann, Oshkosh, Molloy, Truesdale, and Taylor.
What is a steamer trunk made out of?
Typically, the body of a steamer trunk is made from thick wood or metal, and it is often strapped with metal or leather bands to ensure that it is extremely sturdy. A frame of metal or wood may be enclosed inside the steamer trunk so that it can endure heavy impacts and the weight of luggage stacked on top of it.
What are the dimensions of a steamer trunk?
MaterialWoodColorCherry / BrownBrandVintiquewiseItem Dimensions LxWxH26 x 16.8 x 14.5 inchesShapeRectangular
How do you paint an old trunk?
Clean and sand the trunk until it is free of any dust and has a smooth texture. Dip a paintbrush into the paint until it is barely covered. Wipe it off on a soft cloth to reduce the amount of paint on the bristles. Brush the paint onto the trunk with an light pressure, letting the trunk’s original finish show through.
What's the difference between a trunk and a chest?
According to several dictionaries, a “trunk” is a large case or box that can be used when travelling or for storage, whereas a “chest” is used only for storage.
Why do chests have round tops?
The top is often curved to allow water to run off its top. Additionally leather or a waxed or oiled covering is used to preserve the wood.
What is trunk in a car?
Typically, a car trunk is the primary storage area for cargo or luggage in a sedan, coupe or convertible. … The car trunk is typically located in the rear of the car in most models. In some vehicles in which the engine is located in the middle or the rear of the vehicle, the trunk is located at the front.
What do you line a trunk with?
Lining the inside of your trunk can be done in one of two ways, either with paper or fabric. Both are period correct but I highly suggest using fabric. When you line a trunk with fabric it not only looks very nice but is also durable and easier to clean when compared to paper lining.
What's the difference between a trunk and a suitcase?
As nouns the difference between suitcase and trunk is that suitcase is large (usually rectangular) piece of luggage used for carrying clothes, and sometimes suits, when travelling while trunk is the (usually single) upright part of a tree, between the roots and the branches: the tree trunk.
Which of these trees does not have a wooden trunk?
The correct answer is Banana. Banana trees do not have a wooden trunk.
Can you take a footlocker on a plane?
SW does limit the size of “free” checked luggage to a max of 62 inches (Height+width+length), and the item is a bit above that so if you run in to a rules stickler when you check in you may be hit with an oversize bag fee. Also if it weighs more than 50 pounds there is an overweight bag fee.
How much is an old cedar chest worth?
Online auction sites, antique shops and secondhand stores often sell Lane cedar chests — based on their age, condition or rarity — starting at $99 and as high as $700 or more for older chests. But most chests, on average, are valued between $200 and $400.
What is a trunk box?
2 a large strong case or box used to contain clothes and other personal effects when travelling and for storage. 3 (Anatomy) the body excluding the head, neck, and limbs; torso.
