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)