Trunk History and Styles

Trunks were made in varying shapes and sizes and from many different materials over the course of hundred's of years. They began as very primitive cases covered in animal hides and improved in both their design and ornamentation in the late 1800's.With the advent of the railroad and the move to settle the west coupled with worldwide travel via ships, the number and variations of trunk designs changed significantly. Some of these styles are represented below.Trunk makers became common and often copied each others styles. There were manufacturers who specialized in trunks but most cities had blacksmiths who built trunks as a sideline business.I like to think of trunks as todays suitcase or overnight bag. People used trunks to store their personal belongings and they basically lived out of them as they traveled.Trunks like most other things came in varying levels of quality. From the basic flat top trunk to the popular Jenny Lind trunk to the ornate Saratoga or Brides trunk to the rare oak slat or Louis Vuitton trunk.

Flat Top Trunks

Flat Top Trunks: Flat top trunks are just what the name implies; a trunk that is flat (or slightly curved) on top. These trunks were box construction and usually had tray(s), but no extras. These were probably the most common and therefore; usually the least expensive. They came in all sizes, from doll size on up. I have had one that was about 42" in length. http://www.antiquesinbellbuckle.com/

Dome Top Trunks

Dome Top Trunks: As the name implies, this trunk has a dome or curved top. These are often referred to as camel back, round top, hump back or the fancier saratoga/brides trunk. These trunks run the gamut from very plain, to very ornate. These trunks usually had covered compartments in the lid and a tray(s) in the bottom that had various compartments. Many times the tray would house a hat box and a parasol compartment.Saratoga or Bride trunks were generally larger and more ornate than other dome top trunks. They had many compartments and trays, some having secret areas behind the compartments for valuables

Half or Hat Trunks

Half or Hat Trunks: These trunks come in a variety of styles, but were only about half the size of a regular trunk. These trunks are great to collect or display because they don't take up as much space as its larger counterpart.

Jenny Lind Trunks

Jenny Lind Trunks: These trunks are easily recognized by their "figure 8", "loaf of bread" shape or their curved keyhole shape. They were generally leather covered with iron bands around them and brass buttons to affix the bands. The more exquisite ones had brass bands, brass buttons, and brass locks along with nicely detailed compartments inside. These trunks were named for the Swedish singer of the same name, Jenny Lind, who made a concert tour in America in the early 1850's and carried trunks of this shape with her

Oak Slat Trunks

Oak Slat Trunks: Unlike most trunks that were built with a secondary wood like pine for the body and a hard wood such as oak for the slats on the outside, this trunk body was entirely covered with oak slats. The insides would have been very nice with decorative trays and compartments. The primary maker of these trunks was the Excelsior Trunk Company located in Philadelphia, PA. These trunks were only made for approximately ten years beginning in the mid 1860's. Due to their short production, they are among the rarest of trunks today

Louis Vuitton Trunks

Louis Vuitton Trunks: These trunks are named for Louis Vuitton, who started manufacturing trunks in Paris, in 1854. These are high end trunks and usually very high priced. For more information, please check the Louis Vuitton website or one of the dealers that specialize in these trunks

Doll Trunks

Doll Trunks: These trunks were miniature toy versions of the larger trunks being used in the mid to late 1800's and into the 1900's. Doll trunks came in the same shapes as the larger trunks and were also decorated like the larger ones. As with larger trunks, many had ornate trays, compartments, and decorations.

Flat Top Trunks

Flat Top Trunks: Flat top trunks are just what the name implies; a trunk that is flat (or slightly curved) on top. These trunks were box construction and usually had tray(s), but no extras. These were probably the most common and therefore; usually the least expensive. They came in all sizes, from doll size on up. I have had one that was about 42" in length. (example below)Dome Top Trunks: As the name implies, this trunk has a dome or curved top. These are often referred to as camel back, round top, hump back or the fancier saratoga/brides trunk. These trunks run the gamut from very plain, to very ornate. These trunks usually had covered compartments in the lid and a tray(s) in the bottom that had various compartments. Many times the tray would house a hat box and a parasol compartment.Saratoga or Bride trunks were generally larger and more ornate than other dome top trunks. They had many compartments and trays, some having secret areas behind the compartments for valuables. (example below)Half or Hat Trunks: These trunks come in a variety of styles, but were only about half the size of a regular trunk. These trunks are great to collect or display because they don't take up as much space as its larger counterpart. (example below)Jenny Lind Trunks: These trunks are easily recognized by their "figure 8", "loaf of bread" shape or their curved keyhole shape. They were generally leather covered with iron bands around them and brass buttons to affix the bands. The more exquisite ones had brass bands, brass buttons, and brass locks along with nicely detailed compartments inside. These trunks were named for the Swedish singer of the same name, Jenny Lind, who made a concert tour in America in the early 1850's and carried trunks of this shape with her. (example below)Oak Slat Trunks: Unlike most trunks that were built with a secondary wood like pine for the body and a hard wood such as oak for the slats on the outside, this trunk body was entirely covered with oak slats. The insides would have been very nice with decorative trays and compartments. The primary maker of these trunks was the Excelsior Trunk Company located in Philadelphia, PA. These trunks were only made for approximately ten years beginning in the mid 1860's. Due to their short production, they are among the rarest of trunks today. (example below)Louis Vuitton Trunks: These trunks are named for Louis Vuitton, who started manufacturing trunks in Paris, in 1854. These are high end trunks and usually very high priced. For more information, please check the Louis Vuitton website or one of the dealers that specialize in these trunks. (example below).Doll Trunks: These trunks were miniature toy versions of the larger trunks being used in the mid to late 1800's and into the 1900's. Doll trunks came in the same shapes as the larger trunks and were also decorated like the larger ones. As with larger trunks, many had ornate trays, compartments, and decorations. (examples below)Specialty Trunks: Much of the popularity of trunks is the many varied styles. Most of the ones listed above were for general travel or storage, but when other needs arose, trunks were built to fit those needs. Some trunks, such as Taylor trunks, were built for tools or musical instruments and were known to be heavy duty trunks. The front of a Theater trunk opened and revealed drawers, a mirror and extra trays that would have been used for costumes and make-up for theater troupes. Wardrobe trunks generally would have set on end and when opened would have drawers on one side and hanging space on the other. (examples below)

Antiques

Antiques
Here's a list of some of our selections:We have a 1900 Pigenhole: Used in country store in Virgina.We have a Walnut Chest: Solid 4 drawer chest with dove tail drawers.We have a Seatrunk: Restored SolidWe have a Solid Oak Washstand: Dove tail drawers, VirginaWe have a Traveling Trunk: Restored, original paper

Variety List of Antiques in Bell Buckle

Variety List of Antiques in Bell Buckle
Variety List of Antiques in Bell Buckle:Pigenhole:Seatrunks:Traveling Trunks:Walnut Chest:Solid Oak Washstand

Affordable Antiques

Affordable AntiquesCome by and see our wide variety of antiques and collectables.Located right on the square in Bell Buckle, Tn.

Historical Trunk Makers

Old Trunk Makers List
William Crockett & Co. Early to mid-1800s, harness maker who made trunks as a sideline.Charles F. Cushing Apparently this guy made trunks in New Bedford, Mass. We've only seen his advertising card, never have been able to find a trunk with his label on it.DUGUID BROTHERSWall trunks were made by several companies, most famous of which was the M.M. Secors line. Duguid Brothers were less well known, and their trunks sold more to the middle class of travelers. Not steerage, not sunny topside, right smack amidships. Handy for pushing against the wall in a small room.FABER TRUNKS or H.G. FABER AND SONSMade in Utica, New York, starting in 1890. They made trunks from several varieties of wood, including mahogany, teak, pine, oak, birch, and ash. Maybe others that we haven't seen yet. Usually has a brass tag on the outside, near the lock.FLORIDA TRUNK MFG. CO.Find one of these old Florida Trunks and you've got a keeper on your hands. Many of them were covered in real alligator skin, straight from right about where the Miami Dolphins play now. They advertised by sending out these postcards all over the east coast. We believe they operated from about 1925 until around 1948HARTMANNA very popular name in trunks, bags, traveling cases and the like. Still in business today. Most of these ads shown here are from the 1920s. We're not experts on Hartmanns. The people who really know Hartmann stuff know it inside and out. Who are they? Darned if we know.HOMER YOUNG CO.Old Homer and his folks made wall trunks and dresser trunks out in Toledo, Ohio.INDESTRUCTOYes, these trunks were very hard to break or damage. Of course, they looked awful, but they lasted. Responding to a more thrifty America, Indestructo competed with Neverbreak, Nevermar, Nevercrack, Travel-Well, and a few others to make trunks that had no appeal but would last forever. 1920s. Don't spend too much for these.HENRY LIKLY & CO.My old pal Hank made some wonderful trunks in his day, which was back in the mid-1800s. Started around 1840. Based in Rochester, NY, Likly trunks were known for their good looks and functional elements. They made wardrobe trunks, overnite bags, valises, standard box trunks, and even some hatboxes.C.A. Malm & CompanyOperating in San Francisco starting back in 1868 - still in business today as Malm Luggage.MARSHALL FIELD & CO.Before they were known for their department stores, Marshall Field made a lot of trunks. Mostly all standard box trunks, a little short in snappy features, but they worked and lasted well. Covered trays were standard issue. Started late 1800s, made trunks up until the 1940s, as near as we can tell.M. M. SECORSecor made the Champion Wall Trunk, which was a good seller for the company, along with many other styles. Probably responsible for the manufacture of millions of trunks. Based in Racine, Wisconsin. Started business in 1862, patented wall trunks in 1894, 1895, and 1897. Many of his wall trunks had a 'hip-roof' style, like the barns you'd see if you were out there in Wisconsin. Maybe he was inspired.M. M. SECORSecor made the Champion Wall Trunk, which was a good seller for the company, along with many other styles. Probably responsible for the manufacture of millions of trunks. Based in Racine, Wisconsin. Started business in 1862, patented wall trunks in 1894, 1895, and 1897. Many of his wall trunks had a 'hip-roof' style, like the barns you'd see if you were out there in Wisconsin. Maybe he was inspired.M. M. SECORSecor made the Champion Wall Trunk, which was a good seller for the company, along with many other styles. Probably responsible for the manufacture of millions of trunks. Based in Racine, Wisconsin. Started business in 1862, patented wall trunks in 1894, 1895, and 1897. Many of his wall trunks had a 'hip-roof' style, like the barns you'd see if you were out there in Wisconsin. Maybe he was inspired.P&S TRUNK CO.P&S had this unique yellow lithograph inside each of their trunks. It says "Trunks that Wear Everywhere" and their trunks usually are showing some wear just about everywhere, but we don't think they meant it that way. Late 1800s to early 1900s.E. D. Reynolds Trunk & Bag From Fremont Street right in downtown Portland, Maine, operating from about 1800 until who knows when.E. D. Reynolds Trunk & Bag From Fremont Street right in downtown Portland, Maine, operating from about 1800 until who knows when.SEWARD TRUNK AND BAG CO.Claiming to be the largest baggage co. in the world, Seward was based in Petersburg, VA. Postcard shows the factory. Price list above from 1904 shows trunk prices averaging around $2.00. Middle-class trunks, nothing too elaborate. Still in business today; their footlockers may be purchased at large stores such as WalMart and others.LOUIS VUITTONProducing highly expensive bags, purses, and traveling cases (including trunks) from Paris and London, old Louie really made a name for himself. These are sort of the big money trunks in this game. Some are worth tens of thousands of $, and even some very beat up Vuittons sell for around $1,000. There are many experts on Vuittons, but we are not one of them. We learn a little more every time one of them shows up in the shop. Vuitton is still in business; they have a website that provides some history of the companyWHEARY TRUNKSProducers of fine wardrobe trunks and smaller bags that looked like trunk/suitcase hybrids. 1930s.WINSHIP The Trunk with DrawersWinship was one of the very first makers of wardrobe trunks here in the US. They made their first wardrobre trunks around 1884. Based in Utica, New York, they also made specialty cases for musical instruments, surveying equipment, and other needs. This ad is from a 1926 magazine, we believe the company disappeared around 1933

Variety of Trunks

Different Styles of Trunks:DOll Trunks:Flat Tops:Round Tops:Stagecoach Trunks:Wordrobe Trunks:Miscellaneous Trunks:

Styles of Trunks:

Different Styles of Trunks:

DOll Trunks:
Flat Tops:
Round Tops:
Stagecoach Trunks:
Wordrobe Trunks:
Miscellaneous Trunks:

Old Trunk Makers List

William Crockett & Co. Early to mid-1800s, harness maker who made trunks as a sideline.

Charles F. Cushing Apparently this guy made trunks in New Bedford, Mass. We've only seen his advertising card, never have been able to find a trunk with his label on it.

DUGUID BROTHERSWall trunks were made by several companies, most famous of which was the M.M. Secors line. Duguid Brothers were less well known, and their trunks sold more to the middle class of travelers. Not steerage, not sunny topside, right smack amidships. Handy for pushing against the wall in a small room.

FABER TRUNKS or H.G. FABER AND SONSMade in Utica, New York, starting in 1890. They made trunks from several varieties of wood, including mahogany, teak, pine, oak, birch, and ash. Maybe others that we haven't seen yet. Usually has a brass tag on the outside, near the lock.

FLORIDA TRUNK MFG. CO.Find one of these old Florida Trunks and you've got a keeper on your hands. Many of them were covered in real alligator skin, straight from right about where the Miami Dolphins play now. They advertised by sending out these postcards all over the east coast. We believe they operated from about 1925 until around 1948

HARTMANNA very popular name in trunks, bags, traveling cases and the like. Still in business today. Most of these ads shown here are from the 1920s. We're not experts on Hartmanns. The people who really know Hartmann stuff know it inside and out. Who are they? Darned if we know.

HOMER YOUNG CO.Old Homer and his folks made wall trunks and dresser trunks out in Toledo, Ohio.

INDESTRUCTOYes, these trunks were very hard to break or damage. Of course, they looked awful, but they lasted. Responding to a more thrifty America, Indestructo competed with Neverbreak, Nevermar, Nevercrack, Travel-Well, and a few others to make trunks that had no appeal but would last forever. 1920s. Don't spend too much for these.

HENRY LIKLY & CO.My old pal Hank made some wonderful trunks in his day, which was back in the mid-1800s. Started around 1840. Based in Rochester, NY, Likly trunks were known for their good looks and functional elements. They made wardrobe trunks, overnite bags, valises, standard box trunks, and even some hatboxes.

C.A. Malm & CompanyOperating in San Francisco starting back in 1868 - still in business today as Malm Luggage.

MARSHALL FIELD & CO.Before they were known for their department stores, Marshall Field made a lot of trunks. Mostly all standard box trunks, a little short in snappy features, but they worked and lasted well. Covered trays were standard issue. Started late 1800s, made trunks up until the 1940s, as near as we can tell.

M. M. SECORSecor made the Champion Wall Trunk, which was a good seller for the company, along with many other styles. Probably responsible for the manufacture of millions of trunks. Based in Racine, Wisconsin. Started business in 1862, patented wall trunks in 1894, 1895, and 1897. Many of his wall trunks had a 'hip-roof' style, like the barns you'd see if you were out there in Wisconsin. Maybe he was inspired.

M. M. SECORSecor made the Champion Wall Trunk, which was a good seller for the company, along with many other styles. Probably responsible for the manufacture of millions of trunks. Based in Racine, Wisconsin. Started business in 1862, patented wall trunks in 1894, 1895, and 1897. Many of his wall trunks had a 'hip-roof' style, like the barns you'd see if you were out there in Wisconsin. Maybe he was inspired.

M. M. SECORSecor made the Champion Wall Trunk, which was a good seller for the company, along with many other styles. Probably responsible for the manufacture of millions of trunks. Based in Racine, Wisconsin. Started business in 1862, patented wall trunks in 1894, 1895, and 1897. Many of his wall trunks had a 'hip-roof' style, like the barns you'd see if you were out there in Wisconsin. Maybe he was inspired.

P&S TRUNK CO.P&S had this unique yellow lithograph inside each of their trunks. It says "Trunks that Wear Everywhere" and their trunks usually are showing some wear just about everywhere, but we don't think they meant it that way. Late 1800s to early 1900s.

E. D. Reynolds Trunk & Bag From Fremont Street right in downtown Portland, Maine, operating from about 1800 until who knows when.

E. D. Reynolds Trunk & Bag From Fremont Street right in downtown Portland, Maine, operating from about 1800 until who knows when.

SEWARD TRUNK AND BAG CO.Claiming to be the largest baggage co. in the world, Seward was based in Petersburg, VA. Postcard shows the factory. Price list above from 1904 shows trunk prices averaging around $2.00. Middle-class trunks, nothing too elaborate. Still in business today; their footlockers may be purchased at large stores such as WalMart and others.

LOUIS VUITTONProducing highly expensive bags, purses, and traveling cases (including trunks) from Paris and London, old Louie really made a name for himself. These are sort of the big money trunks in this game. Some are worth tens of thousands of $, and even some very beat up Vuittons sell for around $1,000. There are many experts on Vuittons, but we are not one of them. We learn a little more every time one of them shows up in the shop. Vuitton is still in business; they have a website that provides some history of the company

WHEARY TRUNKSProducers of fine wardrobe trunks and smaller bags that looked like trunk/suitcase hybrids. 1930s.

WINSHIP The Trunk with Drawers
Winship was one of the very first makers of wardrobe trunks here in the US. They made their first wardrobre trunks around 1884. Based in Utica, New York, they also made specialty cases for musical instruments, surveying equipment, and other needs. This ad is from a 1926 magazine, we believe the company disappeared around 1933.

Wide Variety

Wide Variety
Variety List of Antiques in Bell Buckle: Pigenhole: Seatrunks: Traveling Trunks: Walnut Chest: Solid Oak Washstand: Come by and visit our store for a wide variety of antiques

Antiques

Here's a list of some of our selections:We have a 1900 Pigenhole: Used in country store in Virgina.We have a Walnut Chest: Solid 4 drawer chest with dove tail drawers.We have a Seatrunk: Restored SolidWe have a Solid Oak Washstand: Dove tail drawers, VirginaWe have a Traveling Trunk: Restored, original paper.