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Unusual & Rare Victorian Oak Slat Trunk

Item #T106

Price

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).

 

$2,795.00

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