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

Discussion in 'Furniture' started by Pellidude, Aug 11, 2026 at 4:20 PM.

  1. Pellidude

    Pellidude New Member

    I’m researching an unidentified antique flat-top trunk and would appreciate any help identifying the maker, approximate date, or comparable surviving examples.
    At the moment, Multnomah Trunk & Bag Co. of Portland, Oregon is a leading working hypothesis, but it is not a confirmed identification. I’m trying to keep the evidence separate from the theories and would welcome corrections.
    Some of the details we have so far:
    Eagle Lock Company hardware
    Approximately 36-inch trunk body
    Two removable interior trays
    Upper tray measures about 34 5/8" wide × 18–18 1/4" deep × 6" high
    Printed woven textile/fabric lining
    Heavy metal exterior cladding/reinforcement
    Decorative brass-toned hardware
    Exposed interior edges showing wood/substrate and original fasteners
    Some exposed construction may suggest laminated or three-ply wood, although I do not consider that confirmed yet
    One reason Multnomah has become especially interesting is that a documented surviving Multnomah trunk has an upper tray measuring approximately 34 1/2" × 18" × 6", nearly identical to this one. That trunk also uses Eagle hardware. I realize those similarities could reflect common industry sizes or suppliers, so I am not treating them as proof.
    I’m also researching the history of Multnomah Trunk & Bag Co. itself. Period evidence now indicates that Samuel E. Wrenn started the Multnomah Box Factory in Portland in 1885, with later reorganizations and trunk-related companies appearing afterward. I’m especially interested in understanding how the earlier box business developed into or became connected with the later trunk company.
    I would especially like to hear from anyone who has:
    A marked Multnomah trunk
    Multnomah catalogs or advertisements
    Maker labels, stamps, or interior hardware marked M.T.&B. Co.
    Similar Eagle locks or latches
    Comparable tray measurements
    Examples of three-ply or laminated trunk construction
    Information about early Portland trunk manufacturers
    If you own a comparable trunk, photographs of the maker marks, locks, latches, tray undersides, lining, handles, lid stays, and exposed construction edges would be extremely helpful.
    Full photo album
    https://photos.app.goo.gl/KNjyHo7s9ogDPEa18⁠�
    The album contains many additional detailed photographs of the hardware, lining, trays, exterior, and exposed construction areas.
    I’m happy to take additional photographs or measurements if anyone sees something that deserves a closer look.
    Thank you for any help, comparisons, corrections, or leads. My goal is to document this carefully and hopefully make the research useful to other trunk owners as well.
     

    Attached Files:

  2. bosko69

    bosko69 Well-Known Member

    Welcome Pell-kudos for all your research !
     
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