What are vintage trunks worth?

What are vintage trunks worth?

The average American made antique trunk is worth about $100 to $300 depending on the style, size and condition. If fully restored prices can be anywhere from $400 to $1300.

What is a camelback trunk?

This trunk was commonly called a camel back, dome top or steamer trunk. The top on this trunk curves both directions. This design was first made in the early 1800’s in Europe. The top was designed to prevent other luggage from being stacked atop them when used in traveling by ship to America.

What are antique trunks called?

In some old catalogs, these trunks were called “packers”, and the “steamer” trunk actually referred to a trunk that is often called a cabin trunk. An orthodox name for this type of trunk would be a “packer” trunk, but since it has been widely called a steamer for so long, it is now a hallmark of this style.

How do you clean an old metal trunk?

Clean metal antique trunks with a mixture of one part white vinegar and one part water in a spray bottle. Gently clean paper lined trunk interiors by spraying the vinegar solution on your cleaning cloth and carefully wiping down the interior.

How do you clean old trunk metal?

What are old steamer trunks made of?

Most vintage steamer trunks were made with wood slats, canvas or duck cloth, waterproof paper, and sometimes animal hide. They were decorated with tin, either flat or embossed. High-end steamer trunks were covered in leather and typically had a unique metal design embossed into the material.

What was a steamer trunk?

Steamer trunks, also known as cabin trunks or traveling trunks, were originally used as luggage for extended trips by steamship, train, or stagecoach or for taking to boarding school. Many were quite elaborate inside and out. Steamer trunks have a distinguishing curved or barrel top and can weigh as much as 100 pounds.

What are the metal pieces on a trunk called?

Center Bands- Center bands (spelled “centre” till around 1900) are reinforcing strips of Iron ( running up the front, and top of the trunk. (Some better trunks had them down the back as well) These bands would range from 1″ to 6″ wide. The bands reinforced and strengthened the trunk.

What is a dome top trunk used for?

Dome Top Trunk – Many homeowners prefer the dramatic dome-shaped lid feature for indoor decoration. Only the wealthy people could afford its very ornate details over extreme expense. Some designs also integrated compartments as well as wheels. It was a great item to gift to the near & dear ones.

How to find the best antique trunk for sale?

Search for sellers to have every detail on an antique trunk, covering from major to minor facts. Check out for any visible patches on joints. It counts – interior lining, locking mechanism, built-in hardware as well as the maker’s signature.

When did the trunk become a personal item?

Validate findings date back the actual concept to medieval times with minimalist features. However, the personal item received skyrocketing momentum in the Victorian era. The dominance of trunks for carrying personal belongings on travel started around the 1870s.

What is an slatted trunk?

Slatted Trunk – It’s indeed a luxurious beauty in the antique trunk version. The design holds thin, finished, wooden slats next to one another. Also, sturdy construction managed to keep the price out of commoners’ reach.