Antique trunks, also called traveling chests, were commonly used in the past when spending periods away from home. There were many different styles produced but there is no exact date or time when one style switched to another. There were several transitional stages where elements of one style could be found on examples of another. This makes it quite difficult to determine the age of a trunk.
Certain coverings were used before others. The very first coverings were animal hides. The next era saw the replacement of hide coverings with oil cloth and tanned, tooled leather. Canvas was used extensively and metal, tin and even paper were also used.
The slats and the hardware used on a trunk are another good clue as to its age. Leather straps, brass tacks, metal bindings, studs and latches on a trunk can all help place it in time. For example, trunk latches were not in general use at first. A leather strap with a buckle was used and a dowel pin kept the lid from shifting side to side. Slats would run in different ways on a trunk at different periods. The cross-slat style, where slats ran horizontally on top and either way on the lower body, replaced many of the lengthwise slat types.
A trunk fell into two main categories: dome shaped or flat-topped. The dome shaped ones had a high, curved top that could vary greatly in height. These trunks usually had covered compartments in the lid. A flat-topped trunk was basically a rectangular box covered in canvas or sheet metal with hardwood staves, metal trim and hardware added. Many manufacturers put them out in great numbers.
Jenny Lind was a Swedish singer who toured the United States. She had a trunk with her that became extremely popular and was called after her. The Jenny Lind trunk had a unique shape, looking like a keyhole or a loaf of bread when viewed from the side. It was usually covered in leather and had huge brass buttons for trim and metal bands which ran from front to back. Many also had leather bands.
The Saratoga trunk was named after the New York resort, Saratoga Springs. Many wealthy guests used to go there to take the waters. Of course a trunk accompanied them and this was usually very large and ornate. The Saratoga trunk came to be known for its many compartments and serious hardware. For example, some of them opened up to reveal drawers and mirrors. There were those which had secret compartments for valuables.
A steamer trunk was flatter than the usual flat-topped trunk and was used by passengers on steamships. They could fit the trunk into their rooms during the voyage. It was often covered in metal although some were covered in canvas. Wooden slats or metal bands strengthened the frame and added decoration.
Although antique trunks were only used for a short period in time, there were so many different types made that it can be difficult to pinpoint exactly when they were made. When automobiles began to be used, styles changed considerably. The lighter construction and lower cost of the suitcase helped to push the trunk into the annals of history.
Certain coverings were used before others. The very first coverings were animal hides. The next era saw the replacement of hide coverings with oil cloth and tanned, tooled leather. Canvas was used extensively and metal, tin and even paper were also used.
The slats and the hardware used on a trunk are another good clue as to its age. Leather straps, brass tacks, metal bindings, studs and latches on a trunk can all help place it in time. For example, trunk latches were not in general use at first. A leather strap with a buckle was used and a dowel pin kept the lid from shifting side to side. Slats would run in different ways on a trunk at different periods. The cross-slat style, where slats ran horizontally on top and either way on the lower body, replaced many of the lengthwise slat types.
A trunk fell into two main categories: dome shaped or flat-topped. The dome shaped ones had a high, curved top that could vary greatly in height. These trunks usually had covered compartments in the lid. A flat-topped trunk was basically a rectangular box covered in canvas or sheet metal with hardwood staves, metal trim and hardware added. Many manufacturers put them out in great numbers.
Jenny Lind was a Swedish singer who toured the United States. She had a trunk with her that became extremely popular and was called after her. The Jenny Lind trunk had a unique shape, looking like a keyhole or a loaf of bread when viewed from the side. It was usually covered in leather and had huge brass buttons for trim and metal bands which ran from front to back. Many also had leather bands.
The Saratoga trunk was named after the New York resort, Saratoga Springs. Many wealthy guests used to go there to take the waters. Of course a trunk accompanied them and this was usually very large and ornate. The Saratoga trunk came to be known for its many compartments and serious hardware. For example, some of them opened up to reveal drawers and mirrors. There were those which had secret compartments for valuables.
A steamer trunk was flatter than the usual flat-topped trunk and was used by passengers on steamships. They could fit the trunk into their rooms during the voyage. It was often covered in metal although some were covered in canvas. Wooden slats or metal bands strengthened the frame and added decoration.
Although antique trunks were only used for a short period in time, there were so many different types made that it can be difficult to pinpoint exactly when they were made. When automobiles began to be used, styles changed considerably. The lighter construction and lower cost of the suitcase helped to push the trunk into the annals of history.
About the Author:
If you would like buy antique trunks take a look at www.hmsantiquetrunks.com. You also will find helpful info on trunks and their history when you visit http://www.hmsantiquetrunks.com today.
No comments:
Post a Comment