Can anyone date this box?

[diverlynn]

I am usually in the "shipwreck" forum but I have a renter moving out and she has a yard sale this morning. I bought this trunk for $20 but would love to find out more about it's kind and age. She only knows it came from up north.

Diverlynn

 

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[Gypsy Heart]

Lynn
You made a great buy for 20 bucks....Although I cannot date it exact, I refinish chests and trunks and think because of the style its a blanket chest from the late 1700's
Can you count the boards ....6 board chests were usually the way they made them during that time.
I think yours is fantastic with the punched decor

 

[diverlynn]

Gypsy Heart
Much thanks, I feel like I am on road show!! "I had no idea!" I was thinking early 1800's but I don't have much knowledge on furnature. I'll check on the boards but I know each end side is all one solid board, almost tree looking.

Diverlynn

 

[Gypsy Heart]

Measure those ends....the wider the board will give clue to age....and worth more moola!
If the iron is hammered and forged ,that will also be a good clue.

look at nails or screws because that will help also.

 

[diverlynn]

Gypsy Heart,
Did some checking. All sides and bottom are 1 solid piece each, hand made. Old square nails are still there but new (along time ago) hinges were attached.

Lynn

 

[diverlynn]

Gypsy Heart,
Can you give me some recommendations on what to nourish the wood and finish? steel wool, conditioner and

 

[Gypsy Heart]

Lynn...I am big on loving every scratch,ding and mark that comes with old furniture....
I usually just use Murpheys Wood soap on wood and Saddle soap on leather pieces....
Then I use Old English oil to coat entire piece in and let it soak in then use old tea towel to remove any excess....I try not to use steel wool unless I have to on iron.....I usually take an old soft toothbrush with WD40 oil on it and gently rub any rust off.....a fine grain emery board will also remove any scratches......if there is a gouge in wood that was once covered in stain and the lighter wood is showing through...I try to find a place on the piece that was stained but not showing and remove some of the stain with a cotton rag dipped in mineral oil....the stain color will transfer to the rag and then I rub it into the gouge to give it the same color....
If the trunk has a bad smell to the inside ....I will place a cup of baking soda in it and let it set a few days .....you can also sprinkle a mix of baking soda and cinnamon to give it a good smell.....Cant wait to see what you do with this.......And one more thing.....I use trunks and old wood chests for storage.....but ...take an old stocking (pantyhose) and fill it with baking soda or activated charcoal and place inside...this will help keep any dampness away from papers...bedding...etc.....Activated charcoal is also great to stop your silver from tarnishing....since I know you will be filling it with your pirates caches!

 

[diverlynn]

Thanks so much. I want to keep the scratches and history of it also. The lid is in very good shape but very very dry and faded no stain left on it but the rest is in good condition. I am afraid to try to match stain for the top. Will clean and condition as directed and see where I am with it.



Diverlynn

 

[Gypsy Heart]

If you have to re-stain it to match...use Minniwax Gel Stain.....its the best I have found.....to get an exact match , take a couple of the cans that you think best match and try it on the bottom or inside lid until you get the match...the gel stain doesnt spill..drip...and dries fast....try a couple of colors to get the closest...do this before the oil treatment....after the Murpheys soap.....

 

[diverlynn]

will do...thanks again

Lynn

 

[diverlynn]

Well, here is what I have at this time. I am very pleased. I used some tung oil, came out very impressive, don't you think?

Diverlynn

 

[The Seeker]

That is a great runk........I have a very old one also.........and what nice about it is, the inserts are all still intact. Most come empty without them. Very nice find! I do have an old claw bath tub! If anyone is interested....................

 

[Gypsy Heart]

Lynn....It turned out just beautiful and looks fantastic....You did a great job!

And John...I have dibs on that tub!

 

[Unicorn]

Those old claw bath tubs are all in fashion again now. I wouldn't know how to restore on tho. Does anyone have any suggestions?