These are the two most important factors in determining the value of your antique steamer trunk. Louis Vuitton trunks will sell for between $3000 and $20,000 while an unmarked steamer trunk will only sell for between $75 and $100. Martin Maier and Goyard steamer trunks may sell for between $500 and $3000.
How do I know if my old trunk is valuable?
If you paint anything on the trunk black or gold (metal banding, corners, etc) the trunk’s value will fall in the low end of the range. Having the original key pushes the value up, as do any types of tags or labels indicating who made the trunk. Remember – these are general guidelines, every trunk is different.
Are antique trunks valuable?
The most important factor in determining the value of your antique trunk is rarity and style. Louis Vuitton trunks can sell for 3,000 to over 20,000 dollars while a common dome style trunk may only sell for 75 to 150 dollars. Most french made trunks are worth much more than American made steamer trunks.
When was my steamer trunk made?
1870s
Steamer trunks (named after their location of storage in the cabin of a steam ship, or “steamer”) which are sometimes referred to as flat-tops, first appeared in the late 1870s, although the greater bulk of them date from the 1880–1920 period.
How do you identify a steamer trunk?
Looking at it from the side, it resembles an “8” (or a loaf of bread) because it curves inward in the middle, where it latches. Travel/Steamer Trunks: Mostly flat tops, these trunks were made and designed for traveling purposes and being places in snug spaces.
What can you do with an old trunk?
A vintage trunk can be also turned into a home bar, just renovate or decorate it as you need and then put on some legs of your choice, or put several trunks on each other. Voila! you can use the top or open the chest and place bottles and glasses inside.
How old is my antique steamer trunk?
1) To be considered antique, trunks must be at least 100 years and cannot have been restored. This greatly affects their value and should definitely be taken into consideration when you’re looking to start or expand your collection.
How do you clean a vintage steamer trunk?
Mix up a 1/2 cup of Murphy’s Oil Soap in a bucket of warm water. Dip a sponge in the solution and wring it out until it’s damp, not sloppy wet. Wipe the inside of the old steamer trunk out until it’s clean. Rinse and wring the sponge out as needed.
Why do steamer trunks have curved tops?
The curved top not only offered a little more storage space, it meant that when traveling it had to be placed on the top of the stack, and not the bottom, thereby reducing the likelihood of damage. What’s it Worth? Whether flat-top or dome-top, many people love their trunks.
What were old trunks used for?
Today, they are used as furniture or storage. Trunks have been used around the world for thousands of years. The small, flat-topped trunk, we see in use today were popular during the Victorian era and were used primarily for storage. They were usually made of pine and covered in decorative material or leather.
How do you makeover an old trunk?
From Drab to Fab: The Vintage Trunk Makeover
- Step 1: Remove Old Handles. The first step in refurbishing the dress-up box was to remove the old handles.
- Step 2: Sand It!
- Step 3: Coat it with Primer.
- Step 4: Paint the Wood.
- Step 5: Tape It!
- Step 6: Paint the Hardware.
- Step 7: Apply Paper to Interior.
Do you have parts to restore or build an antique steamer trunk?
We have all the parts to restore or build an antique steamer trunk. Browse our selection of steamer trunk handles, straps, latches, corners, hinges and more.
What did round trunks look like in the 1800s?
In the late 1700s and early 1800s round trunks became popular. Looking at them from the end they appear round, with a small flat base. They were covered in leather and hide and usually ornamented with brass tacks. They were lined with a printed paper or often old newspapers.
Does Van Dyke’s restorers repair trunks?
Restore an old steamer trunk or foot locker using Van Dyke’s Restorers’ vast collection of antique trunk hardware and chest hardware. Whether it’s to repair an heirloom hope chest or to add embellishments and fine details to a child’s toy chest, Van Dyke’s has all the trunk hardware components and pieces you’ll need.
What do you call a trunk with the top on?
However most referred to a trunk by what it was covered with, not its shape. Names like, Zinc Covered Dressing Trunk, Gentleman’s Sole Leather Trunk, and Waterproof Duck Saratoga were more common than Convex Top Zinc Trunk. (yes that is what they called the top in this ad) Most often people will name something long after it is gone as a means
