Need help with old trunk

[Bill D. (VA)]

My friend Stan just purchased this very old trunk at an auction and is trying to date it. I thought around mid-1800s but he thinks a little earlier. Maybe the lock plate or handle design will yield some clues. Was hoping someone knowledgeable with this sort of thing could chime in and provide some info including estimated date of manufacture. Thanks for any help.

 

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[HutSiteDigger]

Bill - There is def. no junk in this trunk.. Very kewl piece indeed! I am not a big 19th century trunk expert. But, I have seen my share being around antique pieces all the time in Fredericksburg. This trunk resembles closely too a-lot of trunks I have seen from the 1830s! Well I don't know if I am correct or not and hope others can weigh in. But it sure is a beauty! Thanks for sharing. Picture is of a 1830s trunk.

 

[staceyanne]

I know a little about trunks and I believe from what I can see in the photo that your friend has found a Pony Skin Trunk. They were made from the late 18th through the mid 19th century largely for coach travel. I can't see well enough to determine from the brasses but I would guess it's a little on the 1820s time frame. Post a photo of the hinges, and maybe someone could help with a better date!

 

[vpnavy]

Nice Pony Skin Trunk Bill.

 

[watercolor]

Very cool stage trunk!
"HutSiteDigger and Staceyanne" are on target for the approximate date of your friend's trunk.

I found one similar at a garage sale about 6 years ago. . . the inside was wrapped
in a "New York Phoenix" newspaper from 1812.

 

[Bill D. (VA)]

Thanks for the help guys. Looks like early 1800s is the consensus opinion.

 

[firemac]

Very nice find!

 

[Kimmyyland]

Nice!! wish I could help...

 

[unclemac]

pics of it open and of the construction of the corners...inside and out....the bottom too.