The Pirate's Lair offers expert information on and is the world's largest single source for antique Antique Steamer Trunks and Antique Trunks in general. These beautifully restored authentic Dome Top (also known as hump back, humpback or camel back) and Flat Top Trunks are circa 1840 to 1900 and many have literally travelled around the world many times over before coming to you! All Antique Steamer Trunks have been carefully restored and refinished using the same craftsmanship, technique and tools that were used during their original production. These Antique Steamer Trunks and Steamer Chests would make the perfect compliment to any home decor as antique coffee tables, storing military uniforms and military memorabilia, unique family room storage cabinets for videos, CD's, or games, or for your traditional antique hope chest!
It is our fervent hope and desire that the care we have taken in restoring these antique steamer trunks will not only be useful in providing both beauty and function to its new owner, but will eventually become a family heirloom and legacy for coming generations. Anyone who has restored these steamer trunks knows that it truly is a labor of love, every one of them being different and unique.
It would give us no small amount of pleasure to think that we not only were able to save these old 100+ year old trunks, but that we were able to restore them to be used for another 100+ years!
Note the two restored Antique Steamer Trunks (both are Dome Top, Hump Back or Camel Back models) in the photos above each 100 to 150 years old, they are being used as office filing cabinets as they have hanging file folders in them and the lift out trays have all of the staplers, tape dispensors, pens, paper and other items normally used in an office!
Many of these antique trunks and steamer chests have dates on the ornate hardware and locks which help to identify and estimated time when they were made.
Many ask, "What are Chromolithographs or Victorian Lithographs Found on These Restored Antique Steamer Trunks?"
Answer: Scroll further down this page for an excellent explanation and tutorial!
| Custom Designed, Handcrafted, and Hand Lettered in Caligraphy on your Antique Chest |
 Click Here To Review Sample Engravings |
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| Customer Photographic Examples of our Antique Trunks Being used as a Military or Naval Retirement Shadow Box and Storage Chest!! |
 Click Here for Sample Shadow Box Photographs From Customers |
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| Note the Flatop and Two Monitor or Waterfall Trunks, Each Being Individually Unique at the Very Time of Production. |
 Click Photo For Larger View and More Historical Information! |
We all romanticize about the mystique of these antique trunks. The possible owners and travels that each steamer trunk has taken, along with the high level of detailed craftsmanship in the original production of each and every steamer trunk with that individualized character giving both intrinsic and non-intrinsic value. |
It was a common practice that loyal and productive craftsmen would be allowed to bring their children to work with them to learn a craft, so many of the children in this photograph were more than likely sons of the men shown. |
Copy of Photo On Request With Every Trunk Purchase |
The Pirate's Lair always has between 15 and 20 of these 100+ year old antique trunks fully restored and awaiting shipment.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Due to our extensive availability of restored antique trunks, the manner and procedures in which we restore our trunks, and our high placement in the various search engines we receive over 10 calls per day and as many emails, every day, by well intentioned people asking us to provide opinions, comments, appraisals, and/or pricing on trunks which they own themselves. As you can imagine this can be overwhelming and take up quite a bit of our time as there is no "easy" answer, especially since all of these trunks are at best similar but not exact to each other.
So towards that end and trying to help without being overwhelmed while also being accurate, we can now offer written and verbal consultation, appraisal, and advice at $100. per trunk, non-refundable, paid in advance via Paypal.
If this is something you would like to pursue and take advantage of first please email us at sales@thepirateslair.com and in the Subject line put "Trunk Appraisal". Please include what you are requesting us to do and we will contact you at that time for next steps.
| Medium Size 150+ Year Old Civil War Era All Wood Dome Top Restored Antique Trunk w/ a Beautiful Rich Patina of Browns, Yellows and Reds. Double Working Locks, Original Black Japanned Hardware and Rosettes. Swirl Impressions Left in the Wood from the Original Cuts at the Sawmill. Original Liftout Tray, New Leather Handles and Period End Caps. - #357 |
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30"L x 18"D x 22"H A solidly built 150 year old antique trunk restored in a rich patina with lots of reds, browns and yellows to the pine and oak woods. |
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| This is the MOST Fantastic Trunk We have EVER had the pleasure and good fortune to own, and it is currently used to keep customer files and folders here at The Pirates Lair. This Large Size 120+ Year Old All Wood Dome Top Restored Antique Trunk Has Beautifully Detailed Hand Carved Engravings with an Engraved Date 1897. A Handsome Rich Brown Patina, Black Japanned Hardware. Perfectly Working Front Latches with Plenty of Spring. Working Lock but No Key, Four Wheels, New 3-Ply Leather Handles. - #356 |
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32"L x 19"D x 25"H A solidly built 120+ year old antique trunk restored in a rich light brown butternut masculine finish. Victorian-era hand carved engravings make this a MOST rare and desirable trunk and a unique one-of-a-kind piece of American History! |
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| Large Size 100+ Year Old All Wood Dome Top Fully Restored Antique Trunk. Well built and tight with a medium rich brown patina finish to the pine and oak woods, that contrast perfectly with the fantastic black japanned hardware. Working lock no key, working front latches with plenty of spring, new 3-ply leather handles. |
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31"L x 19"D x 23"H A solid 100+ year old antique trunk restored in a rugged masculine finish. Victorian Lithograph of a young girl washing her two puppies while her cat watches on! Great as a military or navy retirement gift or shadowbox! |
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| 100+ Year Old All Wood Dome Top Fully Restored Antique Trunk. Well built and tight with a medium rich brown patina finish to the pine and oak woods, that contrast perfectly with the fantastic black japanned hardware. Non-working lock, working front latches with plenty of spring, new front brass buckled leather tie downs, new 3-ply leather handles. |
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32"L x 19"D x 22"H A solid 100+ year old antique trunk in restored in a rugged masculine finish. Great as a military or navy retirement gift or shadowbox! |
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| Fantastic! Huge 110-120 Year Old All Wood Dome Top Fully Restored Antique Trunk. Substanital, well built, and tight with a Medium rich brown patina finish to the pine and oak woods. Which contrasts perfectly with the fantastic black japanned hardware and brass highlights. Each nail head highlighted in brass. Working Lock but No Key. Working front latches with plenty of spring. New 3-ply leather handles. Dated Hardware Clamps March 1888. |
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37"L x 22"D x 27"H A solid 100+ year old antique trunk in restored in a rugged masculine finish, lots of great hardware highlighted with detailed care. Great as a military or navy retirement gift or shadowbox! Absolutely Stunning and Beautiful in a rugged masculine manner. They did not make them much larger than this trunk! Plenty of room in this trunk to re-purpose it into a Shadowbox and safely store 20 or 30 years worth of memories! |
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| Large 100+ Year Old All Wood Flat Top Fully Restored Antique Trunk Maker Marked! Well built, sturdy, and tight. Restored in a traditional medium natural reddish-brown honey-yellow finish to the pine with darker contrasting oak wood slats, black japanned hardware, new 3-ply leather handles. Perfectly working front latches with plenty of spring. Maker marked with a brass tag secured to the top lid: "Never Break Trunks, L.Goldsmith & Son, Newark, NJ" Working Brass Lock AND Key! |
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35"L x 22"D x 24"H A solid 100+ year old antique flat trunk fully restored in a traditional medium natural brown-reddish and honey-yellow finish with lots of character to both wood and hardware. Maker Marked! |
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| Large 100+ Year Old All Wood Flat Top Fully Restored Antique Trunk. Well built, sturdy, and tight restored in a traditional light natural reddish-brown honey-yellow finish to the pine with darker contrasting oak wood slats, black japanned hardware, new 3-ply leather handles. Perfectly working front latches with plenty of spring. Working Brass Lock AND Key! |
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30"L x 21"D x 24"H A solid 100+ year old antique flat trunk fully restored in a traditional medium natural brown-reddish and honey-yellow finish with lots of character to both wood and hardware. An unusual feature are the oak wood slats located along the bottom edge of the trunk on all sides. |
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| Large 100+ Year Old All Wood Flat Top Fully Restored Antique Trunk. Well built, sturdy, and tight restored in a traditional light natural reddish-brown honey-yellow finish to the pine with darker contrasting oak wood slats, lots of black japanned hardware, brass highlight nail heads, new leather tie down straps, and working brass lock no key. Perfectly working front latches with plenty of spring. New 3-ply leather handles. |
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33"L x 20"D x 23"H A solid 100+ year old antique flat trunk fully restored in a traditional medium natural brown-reddish and honey-yellow finish with lots of character to both wood and loads of hardware. Great as a military footlocker, navy retirement gift or shadowbox, or coffee table! |
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| Medium 100+ Year Old All Wood Flat Top Low Profile Fully Restored Antique Trunk. Well built, sturdy, nice and tight in a traditional light natural honey-yellow finish to the pine with darker contrasting oak wood slats, black japanned hardware, brass highlight nail heads and non-working brass lock. Perfectly working front latches with plenty of spring. New 3-ply leather handles. |
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30"L x 19"D x 13"H A solid 100+ year old antique low profile flat trunk restored in a traditional light natural brown and honey-yellow finish with lots of character to both wood and hardware. Great as a military footlocker, navy retirement gift or shadowbox, or coffee table! |
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| Huge 120-140 Year Old All Wood Dome Top Fully Restored Antique Trunk. Substantial, well built, and tight with a traditional medium natural brown and honey-yellow finish to the pine and oak woods. No liftout tray. Working brass lock, no key, dated March 24, 1866. Perfectly working front latches with plenty of spring, All hardware finished in a black japanning. Unique original Victorian lithograph of a young woman on the inside lid along with a hidden lid compartment. New 3-ply leather handles. |
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33"L x 22"D x 28"H A 100+ year old antique trunk restored in a traditional medium natural brown/honey-yellow finish with lots of character to both wood and hardware featuring a fantastic and unique original lithograph. Great as a military or navy retirement gift or shadowbox! |
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| Huge 110-130 Year Old All Wood Dome Top Fully Restored Antique Trunk. Substantial, well built, and tight with a dark mahogany finish to the pine and oak woods. No liftout Tray. Perfectly working front latches with plenty of spring, All hardware finished in a black japanning and barely visible dated April 1877 on clamp edges. New 3-ply leather handles. Working Lock and Key! |
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36"L x 22"D x 27"H A solid 100+ year old antique trunk in restored in a rugged masculine finish. Great as a military or navy retirement gift or shadowbox! |
Sold! |
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| Huge 100 Year Old All Wood Flat Top Fully Restored Antique Steamer Trunk. Well built, nice and tight with a natural medium brown/yellow patina to the pine wood. Working lock, no key. Perfectly working front latches with plenty of spring, All hardware finished in a black japanning with nail heads highlighted in brass. New 3-ply Leather Handles. |
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35"L x 21"D x 24"H A nice solid 100+ year old antique steamer trunk with a slight roll that would possiby make a perfect coffee table or military or navy retirement gift! |
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| Large 100 Year Old All Wood Flat Top Fully Restored Antique Steamer Trunk. Well built, nice and tight with a natural reddish/brown/yellow patina to the pine wood. Working lock, no key. Perfectly working front latches with plenty of spring, All hardware finished in a black japanning. New 3-ply Leather Handles. The numerals "36 47 09" in 19th century serif font are stamped on the oak slats on each side of the trunk. |
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37"L x 18"D x 20"H New Buckled Leather Front Tie Downs. Just a nice solid 100 year old antique steamer trunk that would possiby make a perfect coffee table or military or navy retirement gift! |
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| Large Size Maker Marked 110-130 Year Old All Wood Dome Top (or Dometop) Fully Restored Antique Trunk with Fantastic Victorian Lithographs on Original Liftout Tray and Inside Lid. Well Built, Nice and Tight with a Natural Blonde Patina to the Pine Wood. Perfectly Working Front Latches with Plenty of Spring, All Hardware Finished in a Black Japanning and Detailed in Gold or Brass. Working Lock AND Key! |
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30"L x 18"D x 23"H Fantastic Detailed Victorian Lithographs Found on the Inside Lid and on the Original Liftout Tray. Fully functional hidden compartment in the lid, and doors on the liftout tray all in working order! Detailed "Makers Mark" lithograph in a black triangular shape indicating it was manufactured by the S.H.R. & Co but most intriguing is the creature depicted appearing to be the body of a bison or buffalo but the fantasy head of a tasmanian devil! |
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| HUGE 110-120 Year Old All Wood Flat Top Antique Trunk with New Front Buckled Leather Straps with Original Leather Clamps, and 3 Ply Leather Handles. Well Built, Ruggedly Handsome, Tight and Sturdy with a Medium Honey Brown Patina. Perfectly Working Heavy Duty Front Latches with Plenty of Spring. All Hardware Sanded and Brushed w/ Black Japanning and Gold/Brass Detailing on Each Nail. Working Brass Lock AND Key!. |
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35"L x 22"D x 25"H All Hardware Refreshed in a Black Japanning with dark gold or brass highlights on each and every nail head. Exterior originally covered in a thick canvas and the Interior was covered in a thin protective paper. Both were removed revealing the beautiful 100+ year old seasoned pine wood body and oak wood slats! The exterior and interior pine body and oak wood slats were scrubbed and lightly sanded with a semi-gloss varnish applied to all surfaces. Four Working Wheels. Perfect for Any Use but Especially as a Military or Naval Retirement Gift or Navy Shadowbox Shadow Box! |
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| HUGE 110-120 Year Old All Metal Dome Top or Dometop Fully Restored Antique Trunk in a Black and Gold Pressed Tin Filigree Floral Design. Ruggedly Handsome, Sturdy, and Well Built in a Masculine "Dark" Overall Patina. MOST Unique Brass Lock Dated March 1870 and Sept 1887. Perfectly Working Front Latches with Plenty of Spring, working lock but no key, Nice Design on All Clamps Dated March 1880 and 1887. New 3 Ply Leather Handles and Original End Caps, Large Brass Buttons Securing Front and Top Oak Slats. Original Liftout Tray with Hook and Stay Feature to Keep the Tray Up When Needing Trunk Access. |
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33"L x 20"D x 28"H All Hardware Refreshed in a Black Japanning with Dark Gold or Brass Highlights Matching the Pressed tin Floral Design. A Semi-Gloss Varnish Applied to both Exterior and Interior Surfaces. Interior and Liftout Tray Originally Covered in a Thin Protective Paper Which was Removed Revealing the Beautiful 100+ Year Old Seasoned Pine Wood Body and Oak Wood Slats! The Interior Pine Body and Oak Wood Straps were Scrubbed and Lightly Sanded. All Pressed Tin, Metal Hardware Clamps, Front Latches, Banding, and Hinges were all Lightly Sanded or Brushed. Four Working Wheels. Perfect for Any Use but Especially as a Military or Naval Retirement Gift or Navy Shadowbox Shadow Box! |
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| HUGE 110-140 Year Old All Wood Dome Top Restored Antique Trunks For Sale with Heavy Duty Latches and 3 Ply Leather Handles, Cast Iron End Caps, Brass Buttons on Each End, Wide Swirl Impressions Found in the Wood from the Original Rough Cut at the Saw Mill. Well Made, Sturdy and Ruggedly Handsome with a Beautiful Naturally Aged Patina and Character to the Wood. Working Lock No Key, No Liftout Tray. |
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31"L x 20"D x 24"H All Hardware Refreshed in a Black Japanning, Gloss Varnish Applied to both Exterior and Interior Surfaces. Exterior Originally Covered in Leather with Interior Covered in a Thin Protective Paper, Both Were Removed Revealing the Beautiful 100+ Year Old Seasoned Pine Wood Body and Oak Wood Slats! Working Lock no key, no Liftout Tray. The Pine Body and Oak Wood Straps were Scrubbed and Lightly Sanded. All Metal Hardware Clamps, Front Latches, Banding, and Hinges were all Lightly Sanded and Then Finished Off with a Black Japanning. Four Working Wheels. Perfect for Any Use but Especially as a Military or Naval Retirement Shadowbox or Shadow Box!. |
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| RARE! Mid 19th Century Fully Restored All-Wood Dome Top Antique Trunk with Oak Wood Handles and Metal Rosettes! Exterior originally covered in leather with interior covered in a thin paper. Leather and paper were removed, wood surfaces scrubbed and lightly sanded. Exterior hardware hinges, front latches, and banding were lightly sanded and then blackened. Liftout tray and non-working lock. Original Oak Wood Handles and end caps. Interior and Liftout Tray fitted with blue paper lining. Two coats of spar varnished was applied to all exterior surfaces. |
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28"L x 16"D x 17"H Solid Civil War era Dometop with all wood pine body, oak slats, oak wood handles, and metal securing rosettes offer a uniqueness with lots of character in a natural golden honey brown finish. |
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| A Late 19th Century Fully Restored Antique All-Wood Low Profile Antique Trunk For Sale - Similar in style to a foot locker. Perfect as a Coffee Table or to Store Antiques in! Exterior originally covered in canvas with interior covered in a thin paper the original trunk maker used all heavy duty hardware clamps, hinges, front latches, lid guides, single sheet pine wood, and iron banding to construct this trunk! Replacement leather handles with the original end caps. All of the hardware clamps, guides and latches were lightly sanded and then blackened. Two coats of spar varnished was applied to both interior and exterior surfaces. Working Lock AND Key! |
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30"L x 18"D x 14"H A solidly built ruggedly handsome low-profile antique trunk with lots of character in a natural golden brown patina finish. Both the heavy duty hardware and full size pine planks as contrasted against the black iron hardware compliments the rich honey-brown-reddish patina of the aged and seasoned pine wood body. |
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| Brass or Bronze. Each Weighs 3.5 lbs. Purchase Single or a Matching Pair. Great Companion Piece for Your Antique Steamer Trunk! |
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Pirate Treasure Chest Bookend or Doorstop 6" tall, 3" across, 2.75" deep Each Weighs 3.5 lbs. Solid Brass or Bronze! Very Kewl. Could also be painted in brilliant colors for those artists! |
$175. pr |
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| An Early to mid 19th Century Fully Restored Antique Trunk For Sale w/ Identified Civil War vintage! Exterior originally covered in leather with interior covered in a thin paper this trunk maker used "tongue-and-groove" method of construction along with brass caps to secure the black iron bands holding the trunk together which is very reminiscent of the Jenny Lind trunks produced during this pre-Civil War and Civil War of time. New leather handles and brass end caps, and lid stay were installed. No liftout tray or lock. Fortunately the original manufacturers label was found, professionally sealed, and saved during restoration process: "John Wheelock, 245 Main Street, Worcester MA" which is documented and confirmed by Google Books using the Worcester Directories of the time to have owned this trunk from the early 1800s up until the mid 1860s before either his son or brother took over operation and changed the label. |
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28"L x 15"D x 14"H A solid antique trunk with lots of character to both the polished brass securing caps contrasted against the black iron hardware bands, yet complimenting the rich honey-brown-reddish patina of the 150 year old aged and seasoned pine wood body. Both construction methods used and the trunk maker identified using Google Books and the Worcester Directory of the time period make this a 100% verified Civil War era trunk and most likely of pre-Civil War vintage. |
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| Another One-of-a-Kind! MUSEUM QUALITY, INVESTMENT GRADE - Possibly a "Martin Maier" all Pine Body and Oak Woods Slats w/ all Original Features: Original Liftout Tray, All Original Victorian Lithographs, Working Hidden Compartments in Lid, Heavy Duty Cast Iron Hardware and Hinges. Manufacturer Hardware Patent Date Stamped: October 23, 1877. Exterior originally covered in hand tooled leather which was removed during restoration the revealing the fantastic 120+ year old seasoned pine wood! All cast iron hardware surfaces were cleaned of all black japanning and oxidation, lightly sanded, and polished providing a beatuiful and handsome contrast with the wood and blackened tin body. Original Victorian Lithographs were professionally sealed. Original end caps with new leather handles. Working Lock AND Key |
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33"L x 21"D x 28"H A most fantastic fully restored high end antique trunk given the greatest detailing! This trunk is heavy and constructed of extra thick pine boards, extra wide oak slats, and all heavy duty cast iron hardware, and four wheels for easy moving. Each and every capped nail head and all cast iron hardware was hand polished! Stained a rich mahogany and then five coats of protective spar varnish was applied to all surfaces. Of special note are the "swirl impressions" seen on the bottom planks of this trunk which were left by the blade of the saw used when first cutting this plank (the rough cut) at the saw mill. From the circumference of the impressions one can easily tell how huge this saw blade must have been! This trunk will be a focal point and conversation piece in any room it is placed. Perfect for that 19th Century Home or Room Restoration! If you are looking for that one-of-a-kind exceptionally rare and handsomely beautiful antique Steamer trunk with a pirate chest or treasure chest look for your nautical decor or waterfront home then this is it! Perhaps as a military or naval retirement gift! This would be an exceptional gift for even the most discerning executive, antique collector, or home decorator. |
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| RAREST of the RARE - MUSEUM QUALITY, INVESTMENT GRADE - A "Martin Maier" all Pine Body and Oak Slat Exterior with each oak slat alternating between rich dark red oak and light oak finishes. This is the MOST COMPLETE and ALL ORIGINAL 120-130 year old Martin Maier we have seen in over 9 years! Those familiar with antique trunks know just how rare this beauty is, and without a single oak slat missing, broken, or repaired! This trunk will be a show stopper and focal point in any room or decor it is put in and will only increase in value as the years pass. Manufacturer Hardware Patent Date Stamped: April 29 1879 and January 11, 1876 Original lift out tray with Original Victorian Lithographs, Original Victorian Lithograph found inside lid, all Original Hardware with the Trademarked "M" in the cast iron oak slat clamps. Original end caps with new leather handles. Working Lock but No Key |
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35"L x 22"D x 29"H The Oak Slat Martin Maier! What else needs to be said! The distinctive alternating dark/light oak slats were each individually custom handcrafted, hand turned and beveled. These were then secured onto the pine wood body using heavy duty square nails with caps, heavy duty cast iron clamps, and wide oak straps! Each and every nail head and cast iron hardware were hand polished! Perfect for that 19th Century Home or Room Restoration! Looking for that one-of-a-kind exceptionally rare and handsomely beautiful antique trunk for your nautical decor or waterfront home? Perhaps as a military or naval retirement gift re-purposed as a shadowbox? Well this was could be it! They don't get much more rarer and sought after than this model Martin Maier trunk! |
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| A Mid 19th Century Civil War era (1848-1862) fully restored Low Profile antique trunk for sale! The exterior canvas covering was removed in some distant past restoration. The interior has been professiionally covered over with a felt fabric type textile which has images of English and European Medieval Shields, Knights on Horse indicating that this was used for a young boys special toy chest or treasure chest. The exterior reveals beautiful 100+ year old cured and seasoned pine planks used in the construction of this trunk and the natural pine wood patina is a even throughout. Per our custom the entire trunk was scubbed, dried and lightly sanded with a coat of spar varnish applied. A professional sealer was applied to the interior lining giving it new life. |
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31"L x 18"D x 13"H Provenance fully dated by the Manufacturers Label clearly visible and readable on the inside of the trunk as being between 1848-1862 and confirmed by Google Books! ("John S. Robbins, Manufacturer & Dealer in Hats, Caps, Muffs & Furs. Trunks, Valises, Etc. Wholesale & Retail, No 52 South Pearl St, Albany"). This restored antique trunk would make for a Civil War buff or a perfect place to store toys and such. However as will all antique trunks, care should be noted that there are no contemporary safety features on this trunk. |
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| Another fantasitc 19th Century fully restored antique trunk for sale! Both the exterior tooled leather and the interior paper coverings were removed revealing beautiful and ruggedly handsome 100+ year old cured and seasoned pine planks and oak wood slats. Fortunately the thin paper covering and Victorian Lithographs were able to be saved under the lid and are quite unique and unusual, very detailed. The trunk had the original liftout tray which was also saved during the restoration. The entire trunk was scubbed, dried and lightly sanded with a coat of spar varnish applied. The fantastic Victorian Lithographs found under the lid were professionally sealed for another 100+ years of viewing! These Lithographs are a MUST SEE! Has a working lock but no key. |
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30"L x 16"D x 19.5"H This is a fantastic trunk which could easily be made into a military or navy retirement shadow box! It is a handsome trunk yet beautifully rugged with lots of character to the wood and hardware as can be seen. The Victorian Lithographs under the lid are one-of-a-kind. |
Sold! |
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| Another rare and fantastic All Wood Small Desktop Size Antique Dome Top Trunk! Also known as a "Salesman Sampler" this antique trunk would fit perfectly on a Desk, Table, Shelf or Dresser as a Jewelry or Document Box. Both the exterior and the interior were covered with a thin paper which when removed revealed the beautiful 100+ year old cured pine wood. Fortunately the thin paper covering and lithographs were able to be saved in the lid and on the original liftout tray. The entire trunk was scubbed, dried and lightly sanded with a coat of spar varnish applied. Has the Original end caps, remnants of the interior paper found on the inside lid remain along with the fantastic Victorian Lithograph of a young girl. Finished off in a red mahogany revealing all of the unique character of the pine and oak woods. Working Lock AND Key! |
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18"L x 11"D x 11"H These small "salesman samplers" are VERY rare as only a few were actually made which were typically given away when they were no longer needed as displays. Rarer still were trunks of this size made all of wood in the dome top style. We only get a few of these small desktop size antique dometops a year!! |
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| RAREST of the RARE - An EXCELSIOR all Oak Slat and Stave Antique Roll Top Trunk Fully Restored in its Rich Original Dark Brown Finish with an added patina that only 130-140 year old oak can achieve! Those of you who are familiar with antique trunks know just how rare this beauty is and without a single oak slat missing or broken. This trunk will be a show stopper and focal point in any room or decor it is put in. Manufacturer Patent Date Stamped: Jan 7, 1868. Original lift out tray, original leather handles, original Victorian Lithograph border design was saved. Working Lock but No Key |
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35"L x 21"D x 29"H The Excelsior! Dated Jan 7 1868. Each and every oak slat was individually custom handcrafted and secured onto the pine wood body. Perfect for that 19th Century Home or Room Restoration! Looking for that one-of-a-kind exceptional trunk for your military or naval retirement as a shadowbox? Well this was could be it! |
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| Another Fantastic 19th Century Small Desktop Restoration w/ All Original Features - A well built "Salesmans Sampler" flat top with great character, fantastic hardware, original liftout tray, original leather handles, remnants of original leather tie downs. This fantastic all wood 110-120 Year Old Flat Top Antique Steamer Trunk had an exterior covering of green painted canvas and an interior thin paper covering, both were removed during restoration. Once the coverings were removed they revealed the beautiful 100+ year old cured and seasoned pine and oak wood! All exterior and interior pine wood body and oak wood slats were scrubbed, dried, and lightly sanded to reveal the full beauty of the grain and character of the trunk. All the black japanning was carefully cleaned and hardware features polished. The thin paper covering on the original liftout tray was also removed and then the wood was lightly sanded to reveal the fantastic grain of the pine wood. Three applications of spar varnish were applied inside and out with a professional leather sealer and conditioner applied to the leather handles.. Working Lock and Key! |
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16"L x 12"D x 12"H An excellent small desktop size antique flat top restored in a beautiful cherry and red oak finish. Perfect as a jewelry or document storage box, store military memorabilia, antique smalls, or just about anything. |
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| Another One-of-a-Kind Trunk Large Size Dome Top Trunk Perfect For a Military or Naval Shadowbox! This fantastic all wood 120-130 Year Old Antique Trunk was a high end constructed trunk which had an exterior of hand tooled leather (removed during restoration) and used the thickest of pine boards, oak wood slats, a brass working lock (no key) and heavy duty hardware both of which have stamped patent dates ranging from 1867 to 1879. The exterior leather and interior paper coverings were removed to reveal the beautiful 130+ year old cured pine and oak wood! The laqueur and black japanning was removed from the exterior oak wood slats, scrubbed and lightly sanded to reveal the beautiful grain. All the black japanning was carefully removed and hardware polished revealing the patent dates and leaving a beautiful though ruggedly handsome silvery finish. New front leather lid holdown Straps and leather handles were installed using the original end caps. |
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31"L x 21"D x 27"H Another fantastic trunk perfect for the nautical home office, re-used as a Navy or Military Shadowbox and storage chest, 19th century room decor. Original brass lock, original dated hardware, new leather hold downs, new leather handles, original end caps, extra thick well constructed trunk with a fantastic ruggedly handsome character and finish. Don't let this one get away! |
Sold! |
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| Another fantastic All Wood Small Desktop Size Antique FLAT TOP Trunk! Also known as a "Salesman Sampler" this antique trunk would fit perfectly on a Desk, Table, Shelf or Dresser as a Jewelry or Document Box. Both the exterior and the interior were covered with a thin paper which when removed revealed the beautiful 100+ year old cured pine wood. The entire trunk was scubbed, dried and lightly sanded with a coat of spar varnish applied. Has the Original "star" end caps with new handles, original lift out tray, the fantastic Victorian Lithograph Design was saved and found on the inside lid. Working Lock and Key. |
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16"L x 10"D x 11"H Just a real nice and solid all wood flat top with original liftout tray, original star end caps, and 19th century Victorian lithograph Border Design with lots great character to the wood grain and throughout! |
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| Another fantastic All Wood Small Desktop Size Antique Dome Top Trunk! Also known as a "Salesman Sampler" this antique trunk would fit perfectly on a Desk, Table, Shelf or Dresser as a Jewelry or Document Box. Both the exterior and the interior were covered with a thin paper which when removed revealed the beautiful 100+ year old cured pine wood. The entire trunk was scubbed, dried and lightly sanded with a coat of spar varnish applied. Has the Original end caps, remnants of the interior paper found on the inside lid remain along with the fantastic Victorian Lithograph of a dog pulling a wagon with a boy and a girl. Has a working lock but no key. |
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14"L x 9"D x 10"H Remnants of the original paper covering were left on the inside lid with the original 19th century lithograph of a dog harnessed to a wagon along with a boy and a girl playing! These small "salesman samplers" are VERY rare as only a few were actually made which were typically given away when they were no longer needed as displays. Rarer still were trunks of this size made all of wood in the dome top style. We only get a few of these small dometops a year!! |
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| Fantastic All Wood Desktop Size Antique Dome Top Trunk! Also known as a "Salesman Sampler" this antique trunk would fit perfectly on a Desk, Table, Shelf or Dresser as a Jewelry or Document Box. Exterior and interior were both covered with a thin paper when both removed revealed the beautiful 100+ year old cured pine wood. The entire trunk was scubbed, dried and lightly sanded with a coat of spar varnish applied. Has the original liftout tray and original paper covering all professionally sealed, original end caps were re-mounted with new leather handles. Working Lock and Key! |
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16"L x 10"D x 11"H Remnants of the original paper covering were left on the inside lid as well as on the liftout tray! These small "salesman samplers" are VERY rare as only a few were actually made which were typically given away when they were no longer needed as displays. Rarer still were trunks of this size made all of wood in the dome top style. We only get a few of these small dometops a year!! |
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| Fantastic All Wood Flat Top "Theatrical" Trunk with wall spacesaver features! These model trunks were typically used by travelling theater groups and circus, and pioneer families settling the west in their prairie schooners, covered wagons or Conestogas! The exterior was originally covered in painted green canvas and the interior with a fabric which were both removed to reveal the beautiful 100+ year old cured pine wood. The entire trunk was then scubbed, dried, and lightly sanded with two coats of spar varnish applied. New leather handles and end caps replaced the older worn out ones. This trunk has the original 3 pull out drawers, 4 heavy duty side and front latches, wall spacesaver feature, working lock but no key. |
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39"L x 22"D x 28"H closed and 49H open: These theatrical trunks are relatively rare as only a few were actually made for a small group of users: travelling theater or circus groups, and settlers. We only get perhaps one of these theatrical trunks a year! This trunk is very heavy so shipping will be at least $150. east of the Mississippi and $200. west of the Mississppi - Pickup is also available by appointment! Perfect gift for an actor or actress, someone in the performing arts, or someone interested in the pioneer and settling of our nation! |
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| Fantastic All Wood Desktop Size Antique Dome Top Trunk! Also known as a "Salesman Sampler" this antique trunk would fit perfectly on a Desk, Table, Shelf or Dresser as a Jewelry or Document Box. Exterior was originally covered in canvas and the interior with a thin paper were both removed to reveal the beautiful 100+ year old cured pine wood. The entire trunk was scubbed, dried and lightly sanded with a coat of spar varnish applied. New front latch, new leather handles and front belts replaced the older worn out ones. Has the original liftout tray, original end caps were re-mounted, new leather handles and original end caps. Working Lock AND Key! |
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14"L x 9"D x 11"H These small "salesman samplers" are VERY rare as only a few were actually made which were typically given away when they were no longer needed as displays. Rarer still were trunks of this size made all of wood in the dome top style. We only get perhaps one or maybe two of these small dometops a year!! |
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| Another One-of-a-Kind Trunk for even the MOST Discerning Antique Collector/Investor, Executive, or Naval Officer! Fantastic All Metal and Wood 120-130 Year Old Antique Dome Top Trunk! Most notable and unique was that the exterior pressed tin filigree of flowers and butterflies was in perfect (though oxidized) condition along with the original Victorian Lithographs and paper covering found on the inside lid, the hidden lid compartment, and the original lift out tray. These Victorian Lithographs are absolutely stunning in their detail with zero loss of color due to fading or damage. The interior paper covering below the liftout trays was removed to reveal the beautiful 120+ year old cured pine wood! The grit, laqueur and black japanning was carefully removed from the exterior oak wood slats, then scrubbed, and lightly sanded to reveal the beautiful oak wood grain. Unfortunately the lock was broken in the distant past, most likely because the key was lost. New leather handles and new end caps were installed. Dated Hardware: March 1880. |
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30"L x 17"D x 23"H Another fantastic almost all original trunk perfect for that nautical home office and 19th century room decor. This is a rare and historically significant trunk due to 95% of it being all original from the date of construction. Don't let this one get away! |
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| Another One-of-a-Kind Trunk for even the MOST Discerning Collector, Executive, or Naval Officer! Fantastic All Wood 130-140 Year Old Antique Dome Top Trunk! This well-built and sturdy trunk was a high end model when originally built as the materials were of better quality than your typical trunk and the exterior was covered in hand tooled leather (which needed to be removed during restoration). Original Owners Name was Stenciled Onto One Side "Sarah Glick, Erie, PA". The exterior and interior coverings were removed to reveal the beautiful 130+ year old cured pine wood! The laqueur and black japanning was removed from the exterior oak wood slats, scrubbed and lightly sanded to reveal the beautiful grain. Working brass lock but no key. Original liftout tray w/ working lids and beautiful Victorian Lithographs. Unique liftout tray stay feature. New leather handles and original end caps. Dated Hardware: July 1 1873 |
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32"L x 21"D x 27"H Another fantastic trunk perfect for the nautical home office, re-used as a Navy or Military Shadowbox and storage chest, 19th century room decor. Dated Hardware July 1 1873. Don't let this one get away! |
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| Another Excellent Entry Level Antique Flat Top Trunk Fully Restored in a Rich Red Mahagony Finish! All hardware finished in a flat black satin providing a nice contrast with the pine and oak woods. A nice solid trunk with handrafted liftout tray, new leather handles, and original end caps. Working Lock and Key! |
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29"L x 18"D x 20"H A nicely priced entry level trunk perfect for an apartment or room with space considerations. Perfect as well to be re-used as a shadowbox to display and safely store Navy or Military awards, medals, uniforms, etc etc. |
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| RAREST of the RARE - An EXCELSIOR all Oak Slat and Stave Antique Dome Top Trunk Fully Restored in its Rich Natural Medium Brown Patina! Those of you who are familiar with antique trunks know just how rare this beauty is without a single oak slat missing or broken. This trunk will be a show stopper and focal point in any room or decor it is put in. Original lift out tray. Original "Hamburg-Amerika Linie" shipping label. Original fabric remnant as part of the hidden compartment in the lid professionally sealed. Name of Original owner "Guisto Olios" can still be faintly seen. Working Lock and Key! |
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35"L x 22"D x 29"H Perfect for that 19th Century Home or Room Restoration! Looking for that one-of-a-kind exceptional trunk for your retirement? Well this was could be it! |
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| RARE Small Size "Salesmans Sampler" with All Original Hardware Ca 1870s/1880s. Fully restored and preserved roll top antique trunk with hardware oxidized in a rich chocolate brown, intricate floral design to the pressed tin on front top and rear. Original 4 small wheels on the bottom. Original leather handles, original liftout tray, and two beautifully detailed Victorian lithographs! Canvas on the sides was removed to reveal the beautiful pine body, while the oak slats were lightly sanded. Of some historical features showing lineage are the handwritten script on the bottom of the trunk and a handwritten note found on the inside lid! Patent dated brass lock: March 1869 and April 1877. Working Lock and Key |
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An unusually rare "dark" small desktop size roll top trunk in 85% original condition completely restored and preserved. Perfect contemporary use as a jewelry box, stationary or document storage box, or especially reproducing the decor of a late 19th century room. Folks, this is a "Dark" Looking Trunk, Even the Lithographs are a Little "Edgy" for the Time. |
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| 1850s-1860s! Beautifully Restored and Affordable Jenny Lind with lift out tray, unique metal handles from an earlier restoration. The 140+ Year Old Cured Pine Wood has depth, character, and great even patina that only aged antique pine wood can achieve, with a semi-gloss finish. Originally covered in leather which was removed along with the interior paper lining, scrubbed with a bleach/water solution. Original brass-headed buttons or tacks abound on this trunk and were carefully polished revealing a beautiful natually aged brass patina. Liftout tray, new leather lid lift, . RARE Working lock and key! |
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26"L x 15"D x 14"H Hardware securing straps refreshed in the original black with original brass headed nails/tacks carefully polished. Just a nice solid antique trunk! |
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| 1850s-1860s! Beautifully Restored with New Soft Leather Front Securing Straps and Buckles. This 150 Year Old Cured Pine Wood has depth, character, and great patina to the grain that only aged antique wood can achieve, with a semi-gloss finish. Originally covered in leather which was removed along with the interior paper lining, scrubbed with a bleach/water solution. Then lightly sanded revealing beautiful 150+ year old aged pine and oak wood! Original brass-headed buttons or tacks abound on this Trunk and were refreshed. No liftout tray, working lock but no key, new leather handles. |
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26"L x 16"D x 15"H New replacement leather securing straps with buckles, new leather handles, hardware refreshed in the original black. Just a nice solid antique trunk! |
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| Perfect for a Military or Navy Shadow Box and Retirement Gift! 100+ Year Old Fully Restored All Wood Antique Trunk Dome Top Trunk with a Rich Medium Dark Brown Natural Finish with Original Victorian Lithograph! This dome top trunk has that traditional sought after "high arch" which gives it that Pirate Chest and Treasure Chest Look and Appeal. Original exterior canvas, interior paper, and black japaning on the oak straps was removed and the entire trunk thoroughly cleaned and lightly sanded to fully reveal the grain and character of the trunk. No liftout tray, non-working lock, new leather handles with original end caps. |
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34"L x 19"D x 25"H Beautifully restored with a medium-dark rich even finish with varying shades of brown offering both depth and interest to this 100+ year old seasoned wood. Nice and solid, well built and sturdy which will last for another 100 years or more! |
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| 100+ Year Old All Wood Antique Trunk! A roll top is not quite a flat top yet not curved enough to be classified as a dome top. Original exterior canvas, interior paper, and black japaning on the oak straps was removed and the entire trunk thoroughly clleaned and lightly sanded to fully reveal the grain and character of the trunk. Original liftout tray, non-working lock, new leather handles with original end caps. |
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32"L x 19"D x 23"H Beautifully restored with a medium rich glossy finish with lots of browns, reds and yellows offering both depth and interest. Nice and solid, well built and sturdy which will last for another 100 years or more! |
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| 1850s-1860s! Beautifully Restored with Depth, Character, and Great Patina to the Wood Grain with a Glossy Finish. Originally covered in leather which was removed along with the interior paper lining, scrubbed with a bleach/water solution. Then lightly sanded revealing beautiful 140+ year old aged pine and oak wood! Original Brass Buttons or Tacks Abound on this Trunk. No liftout tray, non-working lock, new leather handles. |
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30"L x 17"D x 16"H Beautifully restored in a glossy finish bringing out all of the intracies of this 140+ year old pine and oak woods. New replacement leather handles, hardware refreshed in the original black. |
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| Nice and Solid Low Profile, Great as a Coffee Table! Originally covered in canvas which was removed along with the interior paper lining, scrubbed with a bleach/water solution. Then lightly sanded revealing beautiful 100+ year old aged pine and oak wood with fantastic character and grain. Completed with a satin finish. Working Lock and Key |
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30"L x 19"D x 13"H Just a nice well built solid trunk, new replacement leather handles, hardware refreshed in the original black. |
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| 100+ Year Old Antique Pressed Tin Filigree Dome Top with CEDAR LINING interior! Exterior Oak Straps Were Cleaned and Sanded. Exterior Pressed Tin Filigree of Classic Victorian Pinwheel Swirls Restored Almost to Original Color. New Leather Handles with Original End Caps. Hidden Lid Compartment with Cedar Wood Door and Frame. Handcrafted Cedar Wood Sliding Half-Tray! Interior and Bottom Lined With Cedar Wood and Decorative Fabric. Original Working Lock AND Key! |
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32"L x 19"D x 23"H Beautifully restored in a light blue finish which really sets off the pinwheel swirls and light oak straps. The pleasing scent of cedar wood permeates throughout the interior with the sliding cedar lift out tray being very convenient in finding stored items. A solid, well built, sturdy trunk which will last for years if not generations! |
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| 1870s-1880s! For You Antique Afficionados and Collectors it JUST DOES NOT get any better than this! Identified ownership and provenance: Henry McNeil and his son Lyman B. McNeil from a well-known 19th Century Charlotte Vermont Family. Henry's father was Charles McNeil! All original beautifully designed hand tooled leather in perfect museum quality condition, all original leather handles and straps in perfect usable condition, all original interior with liftout tray and lithographs. Patent Dated Brass Lock. Never needed to be restored! Original Patent Dated Working Brass Lock AND Key! |
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31"L x 20"D x 26"H If you are into Original Equipment Antiques don't let this one get away as it does not get much better than this! Dated Brass Lock: May 1854, May 1866, Feb 186? and Nov 1870 or 1876! |
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| Traditional "hour glass" 1860's Jenny Lind with over 30 original large brass nails (only 1 missing) in a golden brown patina matching the lock plate. Beautiful 150 year old pine. Working Lock BUT no key. The top male locking latch is attached to the bottom lock so if a key is ever matched the lock will work! The interior paper was removed and the wood scrubbed and lightly sanded. Two coats of spar varnish were applied to both interior and exterior surfaces so as to provide UV and wood treatment protection which also allows the natural patina and character of the wood grain and metal surfaces to show. Original Lid Door with Documentation Pouch, Hidden Lid Compartment, New Leather Handles and Original Lift Out Tray. |
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28"L x 15"D x 16"H Beautifully restored with a golden brown smooth finish. A complete Civil War Era Jenny Lind! |
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| Circa 1860's All Wood Jenny Lind style antique trunk with the sought after trademark "hour glass" nautical sea chest design! Over 65 Fantastic All Original Large Brass Buttons Securing both Hardware and Wooden Planks Reminescent of a True Pirate Strong Box or Treasure Chest! |
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28"L x 16"D x 16"H A super nice Jenny Lind, Working Lock but No Key - Lock clasp is a little loose but will not come off. |
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NEW Engraving Service!Now you can customize and personalize your antique steamer trunk for all time by having it professionally hand-engraved with a wood burner!| Custom Designed, Handcrafted, and Hand Lettered in Caligraphy on your Antique Chest |
Click Here To Review Sample Engravings |
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| Photographic Examples of our Antique Trunks Being used as a Military or Naval Retirement Shadow Box and Memorabilia Storage Chest!! |
Click Here for Sample Shadow Box Photographs From Customers |
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What Are Victorian Lithographs? Well, Here is the Answer! You Found It!
Many of our restored antique trunks were decorated with beautifully detailed and colorful Victorian Chomolithographs, or just lithographs for short. During the trunk restoration process we were able to save these lithographs and professionally restore them as well so as to provide many more years of visual pleasure as well as keeping the continued value and monetary appreciation of the trunk. Lithographic technology was developed in the 19th century and the process was extremely labor intensive, but the results were fantastic. Here is a brief description of how these Victorian Chromolithographs were produced:
The chromolithograph process is a planographic (flat surface, as opposed to raised or relief) printing method, which is employed in creating multiple colored prints. The technique involves drawing an image onto a stone or zinc plate with a grease-based crayon.
The stone is then gummed with gum arabic and nitric acid. Then, the stone is inked with oil-based paints and run through a printing press in conjunction with a sheet of paper, which is used to transfer the image onto the paper. Color is added by utilizing a separate stone to draw where the color is to be applied.
It then passes through the printing press with a separate sheet of paper to which it is transferred. If a particular artwork employs a variety of colors, it is not unusual for up to 25 stones to be used in the process. Each piece of paper will run through the printing press for each individual color needed.
Dependent on the detail, care and amount of colors, each print may take skilled workers several months to create. However, the opposite is also true, if the prints do not employ a great number of colors or detail the product may be easily mass produced in a more cost and time effective manner.
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Restored Antique Chest Furniture, Steamer Trunks and Steamer Chests can also be used as Antique Hope Chests, Antique China Chests and Silverware Chests to store your Naval China dishes, plates, cups and saucers as well as a Silverware Chest to store your vintage Navy forks, knives, spoons and serving utensils.
What better way to outfit a waterfront home, or a Captains Cabin than a antique china chest, steamer chest, or steamer trunk by Jenny Lind or Lois Vuitton!
The authentic antique nautical home furnishings found on this web site are all vintage and antique nautical furniture.
Original nautical decor and nautical theme is authentic and there are no reproductions offered for sale at The Pirates Lair.
All offered nautical coffee tables, nautical desks are with a nautical theme are from restored WW2 Liberty Ship and Victory Ship Wooden Hatch Covers.
The expert antique restoration information found on The Pirates Lair is available on the web site for WW2 US Navy Liberty Ship Wooden Hatch Covers are authentic as well as the nautical tables, nautical coffee tables and vintage nautical furniture.
Only authentic antique steamer trunks and chests will be found at The Pirates Lair
The U.S. Navy nautical furniture, nautical home furnishings are made up of antique nautical tables, vintage nautical coffee tables, and other nautical decor with a nautical theme.