T101 - Rare Early Martin Maier Slat Trunk, 1870's - SOLD 02/2022

Size: 30" wide, 21.5" tall, 18" front to back.

A beautiful and very rare slat covered trunk made by Martin Maier of Detroit, Michigan from the 1870 to 1874 period. A scarce trunk, with a round top, narrow hardwood slats and handmade metal trim. The wood slats on this trunk are made of two different types of wood, and have beautiful grain (see detailed pictures). The wood types are alternated to give the trunk a more interesting look. Very few early Martin Maier slat trunks are found and this one is in excellent condition. It is of superior quality and based on the Excelsior trunk patent of 1868, which most people now call "oak slat trunks". Maier established his trunk company in 1865 after serving in the Civil War and later obtained the sole rights to manufacture slat trunks in the mid-west area. This special trunk is not common in any way! Martin Maier & Co developed their distinctive narrow slat style trunk soon after the style was patented. These early examples are the hardest type to find. These are made of hardwood strips over an all-wood body. These trunks were made to be impressive and strong, so were more expensive to make than the ordinary metal, leather, or canvas-covered trunks. This trunk was made prior to the use of metal trunk latches and patented hinges found on later trunks. It has heavy harness leather front tie-down straps with the original buckles. The simple style metal end clamps on the wide slats were patented in 1870 and the trunk has an early style lock from the 1860's. All of the hardware and metal is in great condition and the wood has no breaks or missing wood. Notice how the metal is wrapped over the slats on each corner, quite unique. No sandblasting or polyurethane coating has been done on this trunk. It has a long-lasting tung oil finish. A deep two-section lift out tray is included. The inside has been cleaned of the old paper and was refinished. Someone else put an old map in the lid which is of the west coast Queen Charlotte Sound area. The trunk bottom has two wood slats on the original sheet iron covering which is repainted and very clean. Original style triple-layer stitched leather handles have been replaced, using the old iron holders with star designs. The original brass lock has a working key! A great size trunk that can be used in many ways, such as at the foot of a bed! I see Louis Vuitton trunks for sale every day for much higher prices, but rarely see a trunk of this beautiful style. A very functional and collectible American made antique trunk that is quite unique. The buyer will also receive copies of the original hardware and slat trunk patents. This trunk is very well made and strong. Pick up or delivery arrangements may also be made, so please check with us if you have any questions. This trunk has been part of my own collection for a few years because it's quite rare.

Price: $1,595 includes shipping by FedEx Ground in the continental U.S. Please email with any questions to Marvin@ThisOldTrunk.com. Thanks for visiting This Old Trunk.