I recently aquired this trunk and would love to learn more about it. I believe it is from the 1800s. It has canvas on the exterior, and paper lined interior. It has a lithograph of a women on the inside of the top over a small drawer. The otherside has a broken piece of wood with a vibrant blue envelope type pocket with gold print on it. Also on wheels. The underside of the lock has a patent date of Oct 2 1883
I'd love to try and find out some history on it.
Thanks!
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This is an Antique Victorian style Dome Top Steamer Trunk Late 19th Century.
I think it had a Liftout Tray:
www.thepirateslair.com/
This one is similar:
www.5miles.com/
Large Antique Victorian Dome Top Trunk w Girl Decals & Inserts Wood Iron Straps is listed for $350:
Victorian oak-banded humpback trunk 19th century, H 25", L 35", D 20", hinged lid opens to lithographed interior and removable tray, sold at $100:
www.liveauctioneers.com/
Victorian Era 1880s Dome Top Steamer Trunk,
but at that time makers did call them round top, Saratoga, barrel stave, never dome top or camelback. People have made up those names much later.
These trunks were made by trunk makers all over the U.S., there were hundreds of trunk companies in the 1880's to 1890's.
List of antique trunk makers: www.hmsantiquetrunks.com/
Steamer trunks took over the luggage scene around the late 19th century (1870s) and their popularity lasted for about 55 years until finally losing the luggage spotlight in the early 20th century (1920s).
The dome top style is the most attractive style of steamer trunks because its domed top allows for extra storage space, also, during travel on open carriages, the curved top helped keep rain from pooling, thus helping prevent water damage.
This one is similar, but made from metal with oak trim, sold for $1,175:
19th Century Victorian Dome Top Steamer Trunk sold for $30:
www.invaluable.com/
Dome top antique trunk is listed for $400:
www.ebay.com/
You can see what antique trunks have sold for here:
This style of trunk is usually called a dome top steamer trunk.
It appears dome top was generally in the description most of the time.
www.thepirateslair.com/
Popular during the Victorian era mainly because the dome top provided extra storage space. But I believe they were used more for storage as due to the style they were not popular on ocean voyages. This doesnt mean they were not still used but a lot of these were made in the US and made great storage containers in the 1880s 1890s mainly but were still being made in the early 1900s.
They had a significant bulge on the top surface and were hence deemed unfit for travel. Their primary purpose was storage.
Youre lucky that your lock has a patent date of 1883 but that only shows that your trunk was made after 1883 as the same type of locks were used for several years.
Other members have supplied excellent history and examples so Im not sure if there is a lot more information available.
If value is what youre interested in, then most of the examples will be of no value as the condition as well as your location will be big factors in determining the value of your trunk.
Location is important as these are usually very heavy and costly to ship.
Condition is most important, as buyers usually want an attractive trunk to add to their home decor. Trunks in this condition are usually sold to craftsmen who will restore it, but restoration is expensive and very time-consuming so theyre usually looking for a cheap bargain. Some buyers are also looking for tool boxes but the domed top would not be popular for this.
In its present condition, if placed up for sale, may not sell for more than $50 and in my area, it would be $25-$30.
If you plan to restore it there are several very good websites with clear instructions as well as YouTube videos.
www.google.com/
www.youtube.com/
www.justthewoods.com/
www.instructables.com/
You can always check out eBays sold listings to get an idea of what people are actually paying for different styles of trunks. Always check the condition as well as the location.
www.ebay.com/
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