Value of Old Steamer Trunks?

An old wooden steamer trunk. Would anyone know the value of these old steamer trunks. My father worked for a moving company years ago. That is how we acquired them. They have been in family home garage for over 55 years.

Brown one is 20 in high and 32 inches wide. Black one is 24 in high and 35 inches wide.

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DianaHM
Silver Answer Medal for All Time! 440 Answers

July 5, 20212 found this helpful

Best Answer

A true steamer trunk is no more than about 14" high (width and length does not matter). This size requirement was one the steamship company's imposed. theoldtimey.com/.../

The first trunk is the Antique Dome Top / Humpback Embossed Metal Trunk.
Dome-Topped trunks had noticeably domed tops and were therefore less used for travel purposes. They are also referred to as round top, camel, barrel and humpback trunks, and are frequently made of embossed tin.

The last photograph shows on the lock "Pat Jul 972" which is apparently the patent date of the lock as July 9, 1872. I think this is the lock of the first trunk. This date refers to the dating of the lock, not the trunk.
Embossed sheet metal covering for trunks was made from flat sheets of most commonly zinc, tin or sheet iron, which was run through a press to put the raised patterns into the metal.
Your chest is plated with Alligator pattern www.thisoldtrunk.com/.../T117_20161206_EmbossedMetal_03.JPG
The "Alligator" pattern sheet metal covering was patented In Feb. 1885 by William Gouldwhich. This pattern was described as "resembling in appearance crocodile's or alligator's skin or hide".
Gouldwhich also patented the "method of ornamenting" the metal with the surface "crystallized, so that the light reflected therefrom produces a mottled appearance. The outer surface is covered or coated with a suitable transparent varnish or paint having suitable and appropriate coloring matter therein. ". This "crystallized metal" finish was later produced in many colors, used both on embossed and plain sheet metal. www.thisoldtrunk.com/.../index.php?main_page=product_info... I think your chest has Iron, Brown on Gold www.thisoldtrunk.com/.../T117_20161206_EmbossedMetal_03.JPG

So, the first trunk is Antique Dome Top / Humpback Trunk Alligator Embossed Metal circa late 1880s - early 1900's.

Small Antique Dome Top Embossed Metal Trunk (about 19 inches high x 26 inches wide x 14 inches deep) was sold for $80 www.icollector.com/Small-Antique-Dome-Top-Embossed-Metal...
1800's Antique f.j. Pelica Dome Top Steamer Trunk chairish-prod.freetls.fastly.net/.../1800s-antique-fj-pelica-dome-top... was sold for $200 chairish-prod.freetls.fastly.net/.../1800s-antique-fj-pelica-dome-top...

Antique 1880s Dome Top Steamer Trunk Needs Partial Restoration (18 inch high x 25 inch width x 16 1/2 inch depth) is on sale for $150 www.ebay.com/.../193224320581
The price of Antique Steamer Trunk / Metal Floral Design / Restored (19 1/2 inch high x 30 inch. Long x 16 1/2 inch. Wide) is $325 www.ebay.co.uk/.../123254078624

The price of Antique Victorian Steamer hump back Trunk Chest (23 inch height x 30 inch wide x 18 inch depth; 18 inch high x 25 inch width x 16 1/2 inch depth) is $375 www.ebay.com/.../373278487778, www.ebay.com/.../202862545378
Late 1800s HUMPBACK DOME STEAMER TRUNK - Floral Tin Pattern (17 1/2 inches high x 26 inches long x 16 inches deep) is on sale for $450 www.ebay.com/.../223452955443
Restored Pressed Tin Dome Top with Faux Alligator Skin Exterior (24 inch height x 33 inches long x 18 inches deep) was sold for $1295
www.thepirateslair.com/400-dome-top-trunk-alligator.html
So, in such a condition as in the photo, the price of your first trunk is about $200-350.

The second trunk is presumably 1900-1950. I think it's wooden like this Antique Solid Wood Trunk www.ebay.com/.../193223835157.

The price is about $140-260. www.ebay.com/.../bn_106883164

jdanel2

July 11, 20210 found this helpful

Thank you very much for this outstanding information. I am going to try and attempt to just clean it up with Water or Ivory Soap as I was recommended to use. See how that works. Someone mentioned to clean with water then a furniture polish. I want to pretty much leave it as is. And then figure out what to do with it. Whether to sell or hang on to it. ?

ccrough3

March 30, 20220 found this helpful

I have one very much like your first one. Mine is not in as good of shape. I do not care about the value. I just want to know how old it is???

I would also know if restoring it would be a good idea.

Anonymous

April 18, 20230 found this helpful

Approx 100 yrs old! Unrefinished is $50 refinished can be from $110 - $150 depending on finished results

Janice Kasony

June 30, 20210 found this helpful

We have one that looks like the second picture. It has drawers on the one side when flipped to stand tall.
We paid $220 at an antique marketplace.

Janice Kasony

June 30, 20210 found this helpful

Sorry, it was $130.

Judy
Gold Post Medal for All Time! 677 Posts

June 30, 20211 found this helpful

Unfinished trunks are worth up to $200. Finished trunks can be worth up to $750. Here is an excellent article: www.brettunsvillage.com/.../

jdanel2

July 3, 20210 found this helpful

Thank you for this helpful information !

wordswork
Bronze Feedback Medal for All Time! 170 Feedbacks

July 4, 20211 found this helpful

I have several of these, and wouldn't part with them for anything: they're "valuable" for storing gift wrap and ribbons, Christmas decor, gifts for all occasions (as I make them), games .... And they're handsome to boot / part of the decor.

mirjanabosnicneekacanski

October 29, 20230 found this helpful

Where to put a photo of mine? Bought in Washington to move family from there to Yugoslavia, after 1960?In excellent condition. No restaurated

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