UPDATE: A prominent newspaper in Vermont, "The Charlotte News", has published an article about The Pirates Lair and this rare trunk previously owned by Henry McNeil and then by his son Lyman McNeil. Click Here to Read the Article About this Antique Trunk, Henry McNeil, and The Pirates Lair!

Folks - Insofar as an Authentic Original Antique Trunk it does not get much better than this - over 95% complete and in absolute beautiful museum quality condition and original owner and family identified for provenance verification! In fact the original McNeil farmhouse and barn are still intact and preserved along the shores of Lake Champlain in a section called "McNeil Cove" on McNeil Cove Road which is part of the prestigious waterfront "Wings Point Community" in Charlotte Vermont.

THIS TRUNK HAS DOCUMENTED HISTORY AND McNEIL FAMILY OWNERSHIP: The original owner was a gentleman farmer named Henry McNeil from a prominent long-time Charolotte Vermont colonial family. Henry was the son of Charles McNeil and the grandson of John McNeil who was one of the original colonial settlers of Vermont and a prominent family. Henry McNeil was born in 1821 and died December 18, 1897. His father was Charles McNeil and his mother was Jerusha (Lyman) McNeil. Henry was survived by his son Lyman B. McNeil who was born November 1st 1869 and died in 1942. Note in the below photos identifying in stenciled block letters "H. McNeil, Charlotte, VT" and the name on attached shipping labels of "L.B. McNeil, Charlotte, Vermont". There are labels on the trunk indicating that it was Lyman McNeil who traveled to Ft. Lauderdale and Schenectady. Of particular note to the collector is handwritten name "L.B. McNeil" noted on the various shipping labels. These were obviously put on so that if the trunk was ever lost it would be returned to the proper owner. Again note that there was no specific address given, just the name, city and state which was typically the case throughout the 19th and very early 20th centuries.

There is even a 1909 dated post card which is part of the trunk which was sent to Mrs. L.B. McNeil from Emma Goodale who was a woman accepting the job to do Mrs. McNeils laundry!

There is no question as to the provenance and authenticity of this fantastic trunk! Exterior was brushed and cleaned. Entire Liftout Tray and Interior were left as found and sealed with a professional sealer to further extend the life of the wood, paper, cardboard, and victorian lithographs. The only damage to this trunk are some scuff marks on the leather and two rear metal securing clamps which are cracked but very sturdy, in place and do not detract in the least. The only thing missing on this trunk are two small leather compartment pull tabs, an inside compartment cover used to store gloves, and the exterior leather lid lift above the lock.

Above postcard is postmarked 1909 and is from an Emma Goodale to Mrs. L.B. McNeil of Charlotte, Vermont confirming that she would like to do Mrs. McNeils washing!

Large All Leather Dome Top Antique Trunk - #289 All Original, 95% Complete, Dated Hardware, Provenance and Original Owner Identified, Hand Tooled Leather Dome Top!!! 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!

Click Photo!

Large Size Dome Top Antique Trunk: 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!

$2295. Sold!

Call To Order 540 659 6209

OPTIONAL - Trunk Wood Engraving Examples and Prices Custom Designed, Handcrafted, and Hand Lettered in Caligraphy on your Antique Chest	Click Here To Review Sample Engravings	Personalize Your 100+ Year Old Antique Trunk in Perpetuity!
Antique Trunks as a Shadow Box and Storage Chest! 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	Why just get a shadow box or a newly made trunk with no history! One of our 100+ Year Old Nautical Antique Trunks can be used for both a Shadow Box and Storage Chest for your Uniforms, Photograph Albums, and Memorabilia!

Rare 1880 to Early 1890's Photograph of Antique Trunk Factory and Workers Using Albumen Silver Print Method, Mounted to a Period Board Which Dates The Photo 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!

The Pirate's Lair Exclusive! 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.

However the truth of the matter is that the majority of these trunks were made towards the middle to end of the 19th century just at the dawning of the industrial revolution here in America when there were no child labor laws or protections. This rare photo clearly illustrates at least 3 generations of owners and workers, ages appearing to range from pre-teen/adolescent, teens/early adult, through middle to old age! 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.

Note the adolescent factory workers on top row! Note that there are no women in the photo! This is due to the fact that at that time "proper" women did not work outside of the home, certainly not in a factory. Everybody appears to look pretty stern, having on their arms crossed and "work" faces put on. Copy of Photo On Request With Every Trunk Purchase

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