Each of these antique trunks were originally handcrafted and individually constructed with all wood and metal being produced with woodworking and metalworking handtools. The exterior was originally covered in a heavy waterproofed canvas or hand tooled leather, and the interior was originally covered in a thin protective paper which was removed during restoration. Removing the coverings revealed the beautiful patina which only 100+ year old seasoned pine and oak woods can achieve! All hardware was cleaned, lightly sanded, and polished. The exterior and interior woods and hardware were scrubbed with a bleach-based cleaning solution. left to dry, and then lightly sanded with a maritime spar varnish applied to all surfaces. All edge sheeting, hardware clamps, front latches, lid banding, and hinges were also cleaned and lightly polished. Our trunks have been restored in such a manner so as to be safely used within a contemporary home and can concievably last for another 100+ years as a handed down family heirloom from generation to generation. We also restore these trunks so as to easily re-purpose them into Military, Army, Air Force, Marine Corps or US Navy Retirement Shadow Box Gift Idea!