Antique trunk

Hi! I’m new here, hope you all doing well! I just got this beautiful trunk and would appreciate if someone could give me any info about it.
There is “V&T” on a lock and “patented May 3 1887”. It’s in pretty good antique condition, but previous owners ruined it with a huge holes on the bottom() and did more holes for a plate on a back… they also worked on fabric inside. Would it be a good idea to remove it? I’m not willing to keep it. Is it worth 20$, 50$ or more?
Thank you.

 

nice trunk, ...or at least it was before some murderer killed it by trying to make a Boom Box !!!!

it still presents well......... $ 50 might do ,

 

Agree! It’s sad to look at these holes! I guess how much it would worth without these “upgrades”.

 

you never know , it's a handsome trunk, with honest age.....

the hardware alone...... may be worth more than the $50....??

 

Indeed, love the hardware!

 

similar hardware.....
Help Identifying an Early Flat-Top Trunk — Possible Multnomah Trunk & Bag Co. Connection

 

Y&T cloverleaf logo on the hardware is the mark of the Yale & Towne Manufacturing Company, FWIW.

 

How weird-a boombox speaker box in a 1900's trunk.
Possible scenario-Lowrider in a chopped Model A ?!!!

 

Old trunks are a common find, and difficult to sell, in my large suburban US area. One is lucky to get $50 when selling.
Flat top ones seem to fare best because some people like to use them as coffee tables.

 

Old trunks and giant wood wire spools were tres hippie-chic coffee tables when I was young,along with the fruit crate LP holders of course.

 

Welcome to Antiquers, @TiJ !

 

Thank you all! Hope someone will buy this trunk from me

 

sell the sizzle , not the steak !!!!!!!!!