T109 - Civil War Half Trunk

Circa 1850's to 1860's

Size: 20" wide, 15 1/2" deep, 15" tall

We search the country to be able to offer antique trunks that are unusual and even rare. This one qualifies on both accounts and is the only Civil War period half trunk we have ever had with four iron bands and the large brass buttons. Most similar trunks have two iron bands and a few have three, but it is very unusual to have four on a trunk this size. It gives it a very special look. The trunk is complete with all the original iron banding, large brass buttons, and even the iron and brass lock with a working key! The lock is a very early style and is marked "E W" with an eagle mark. The wood is thick and very strong and is finished with a satin tung oil finish which is smooth, waterproof, and durable. New leather handles have been installed just like the originals with the original end caps. The interior is nicely relined with high quality fabric with a floral design (see close-up picture). An early chromolithograph showing a youth dressed in a Civil War style uniform is in the lid. A cedar wood tray has been made as the original was missing, and this gives the trunk a nice scent inside. These smaller trunks are much harder to find than the larger sizes as fewer were made. This is a great trunk for many uses and a true collector's item which will be a good investment as well. This trunk could very well have been used by an officer in the Civil War. We have seen some early trunks of this style in museums and Civil War pictures. These trunks are also sometimes called Gold Rush trunks as they were used by folks heading west during the gold rush days of the late 1840's and 1850's. It is said that the first trunks were made during that period with the large brass studs which symbolized gold nuggets, and we can see why that would be popular!

Price: $685 plus $30 shipping by FedEx ground in the Continental U.S. Layaway available upon request.