Black Steamer Trunk

Picked up this steamer truck at the local Goodwill for $20. I was looking for one for awhile and the price seemed right. It has thick leather handles on each side. The black covering on the bottom is worn away completely. The inside looks okay, I'm hoping to strip off the old paper to see what the wood looks like, if its any good I will try to refinish it. If not, put a better paper lining.

Any idea of age? Just out of my own curiosity

Thanks for your time!

 

i'd venture 1960's....early 70's.

 

I agree, but suppose it could date as early as the 1940s. I had a new huge/large one of these in 1960 for going off to college. I suspect this one is missing a tray. Do look closely at the hinges, lock (any hardware) for patent info.

--- Susan

 

I would have never noticed unless you mentioned, almost burned my eyes out trying to read it, but the centre lock says (in extremely tiny writing) "Eagle Lock Co 8446"

 

Here's a key that will fit it.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Eagle-Lock-Company-8446-Trunk-Key-/200901614489

Seems Eagle Lock company was once the largest trunk lock company. It was found in 1833 and went out of business in 1975.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eagle_Lock_Company

--- Susan

 

No wonder they used to hide bodies in these things back in the old detective stories...

 

Hey S....Someone posted a sewing machine. I said you would help....