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Unusual & Rare Victorian Oak Slat Trunk
This unusual antique trunk is a style that is rarely found and is also very
beautiful and functional. My research shows that the trunk was made in the
early 1880's by the M.M.Trunk Co., owned by Martin Maier. An early catalog
from M.M.Trunk Co. shows this style trunk called "Rustic" and being made of
narrow oak slats over a solid wood frame. It was meant to be extra strong
and attractive. The special hinges on this trunk were designed and patented
by Mr. Maier, of Detroit, Michigan in 1879 and the patent date is on each
hinge. The design is special in that they have a built in lid stop or holder
so that the lid will remain open and not fall backward like ordinary trunk
lids. (a copy of the actual patent information and catalog page will be
provided with the trunk.) The trunk has all the original hardware, metal
trim, catches, lock, rollers, hinges, etc. The leather handles have been
replaced with original style stitched handles. Oak slat trunks are rare
compared to the standard trunks made during the same period, being more
expensive to make. I have never had another trunk of this style in 35 years
of trunk restoring, so that tells you how hard they are to find. This trunk
is a great size for use as a side or coffee table, at the end of your bed,
or many other places in the home. The flat top is more unusual to find than
the rounded top slat trunks. The interior has been cleaned and relined with
Victorian style burgandy fabric. The large chromolithograph in the lid is a
beautiful 1884 Victorian fashion print! A new cedar wood tray has been made
which gives the trunk a wonderful aroma and will help protect your valuables
against moths.
The exterior of the trunk has been carefully cleaned and given a protective
coat of satin finish and hand-rubbed tung oil. The wood is a dark oak, and
similar in color to walnut or other dark woods.
Oak slat trunks were made by a few companies in the U.S., including M.
Maier, Excelsior, Clinton, and the El Paso Slat Trunk Company. All of the
slat trunks that I have owned, seen, or restored have been very well made,
very strong, and attractive. I believe it is unfair to say that one make is
better than the other based on trunks I have seen. But I can say that the
oak slat trunks of any type have been increasing in value more quickly than
the average style trunks. Personally, based on their workmanship and rarity,
I believe they should be worth more than the very expensive French trunks
(you know which ones I mean). This trunk is certainly a collector's item
already, but is also very functional, and priced well below what I have seen
other slat trunks sell for in the past year. Please let me know if you have
any questions or desire more pictures.
Click on thumbnail pictures for larger view.
Measurements: 31" wide, 23" tall, 21 1/2" deep (front to back)
Price: $ 2795 includes shipping by FedEx Ground within the lower 48 states.
Please email for rate to other areas. (Personal pick-up or Delivery service
can be arranged).
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