Value of old trunks
It’s a coffee table in the living room of your farmhouse-style home or rustic loft apartment and a nightstand or blanket chest at the foot of your bed in your bedroom.įrom Victorian trunks to Art Deco traveling jewelry cases, journey through history today with an extensive collection of antique trunk suitcases and vintage luggage on 1stDibs. At home, an old wood trunk is a durable storage solution as much as it is a versatile surface. The famous LV monogram was first used in 1896 as part of an initiative by Georges to prevent counterfeiting of his coveted travel trunks.Įven if no longer used for travel, the vintage luggage is a popular item among collectors for its historical value and charm. To discourage burglars, the French craftsman and his son, Georges, also eventually patented a revolutionary sophisticated lock for the trunks. Instead of the traditional round shape, these handcrafted rectangular trunks stored better on trains. During this early period of railroad travel, Louis Vuitton trunks solved common travel problems. These trunks, produced in great numbers by various manufacturers worldwide between 18, were true. In 1858, French luxury brand Louis Vuitton introduced the world to the now-iconic Louis Vuitton trunks. Our trunks are classic flat top trunks, rectangular boxes covered with sheet metal (called metal backgrounds some trunks have canvas or burlap backgrounds) and hardwood staves with additional metal trim and hardware. These pieces of luggage fit a steamship’s luggage size regulations and essentially doubled as wardrobes, ensuring that a traveler’s evening dresses and suits were kept wrinkle-free on a journey from city to city. and reclaiming damaged, rickety storage trunks increases their value. You may want to consider having a reputable antiques expert near you perform an appraisal. Genuine antique or antique style storage trunks add to the decoration of a room. Antique steamer trunks - named for their use on steamships - mostly date from around 1880 to 1920. Your trunk is worth a few thousand dollars, up to as much as 50,000. There have been many types of trunks and luggage over the years, with availability of these wares broadening as train travel expanded during the 19th century. Antique and vintage trunks and luggage can make a statement as decorative accents and practical furnishings in nearly every room of your home. You can go for some forums first as they many times have members who know a lot about these items - you'll have to join each site but post to all - just post main pictures and not all hardware unless they ask for more.Add a charming piece of travel history to your space. Your best option is to try and obtain information from legitimate appraisers just in case you have a valuable trunk. i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=antique+vintage. This is the link to actual trunks that sold over the past few months so check out the sold prices and where they are located. You'll find the asking prices are very different but most will be 'pick up only' and that means only in your area. You can take a look at similar trunks on eBay and Etsy so you can get an idea of what might be selling and also how sellers are presenting their pictures. I would say to not do anything to this trunk until you find out out more about it, especially what country made it - hopefully France as I believe their trunks are the most valuable - America - not so much. The majority of older trunks do not have a brand name shown but some appraisers will know more about when and who made it.
#Value of old trunks full#
It is very difficult to tell about the full inside lid and this may be an important piece of information. According to Daniel, the only trunks you should avoid restoring are those that are museum piece or very rare antique trunks. You need to be able to see the full trunk in opened position. However, in the case of trunks, functionality and beauty are sometimes more important than original condition. These should be taken at a lower angle and also at an almost full standing position. Your pictures are pretty good but you are missing a picture of the trunk fully open showing the front and the the inside lid. First - this seems to be a very nice antique/vintage steamer trunk and although it is difficult to actually tll condition from pictures most of your trunk looks to be in good condition and does not seem to be missing any hardware - which is very good.