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Hannah Calderon

Old trunk

I need help identifying!! I got this trunk form a yard sell for $50 I’m not sure what it is or when it was made it looks old. On the lock it reads “ Liebrich Hillebrand & Wolf Phila” and “Pate May “ ‘54 & Feb. 87 Expd May ‘88 “ help please !

Old trunk
Hannah Calderon, Feb 6, 2021
    • milestoneks
      One photo is not a lot to go on. Most trunks date to the late 19th century to the early 20th century, and 100’s of factories. Your Expd may be read Extd. 88 and that’s probably when it was made. There were thousands of styles, flat top or camel-back being just 2, and the heyday for trunks was from 1872-1890. If the slats are solid oak it probably dates to that time. Look closely as many (but not all) were dated on the lock or hardware. I have restored a few with lots of elbow grease. You can still find parts online. Here is some info I found on the company…………..


      Vintage Liebrich, Hillebrand & Wolf Philadelphia steamer trunk lock & latch, circa 1869. This company was later known as Star Lock Works and existed until 1926. Latch is marked "PATD MAY '59 / & FEB '67 / EXTD MAY 68" Lock is marked "LIEBRICH HILLEBRAND & WOLF PHILA." Condition is very good to excellent. Has not been cleaned or polished in my lifetime, thus with original patina. White-ish spots on latch is paint which I will leave up to the buyer to remove. Latch also has a slight bend. All springs are strong and functional. This set came off of what had been my toy box since I was 5, and that was 50 years ago. It finally fell apart, but at least the lock is salvageable. True auction, so bid well and bid big! US bidders only! Will ship via USPS priority mail only! More exclamation points!!!! Can take more pix - just ask, and thanks. Dimensions are : Lock: Overall 3 7/8" x 3 1/16" Hole spacing horizontal 3 3/16" vertical 2 3/8" Latch : Overall 2 15/16" x 3 3/16" Hole spacing 2 1/4
      Feb 26, 2021
    • IamAntriqued
      Hi,
      Did you find out the value of your trunk? I have a leather steamer with a very nice lock that also reads "Liebrich Hillebrand & Wolf Phila. PA Pat March 1867." I haven't found one that looks like it yet, but the interior tray looks similar to yours.

      If you have any info, it would be appreciated.
      Thanks.
      Sep 12, 2023
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