Featured Looking for information on a steamer trunk

Hello all,

I know next to nothing about antiques, but have recently come into the possession of an old steamer trunk. It looks to me as if it is truly extremely old, not a modern "antique" replica, though I would be a poor judge of that.

At any rate, I was hoping that someone could tell me a bit more about this trunk, as it has no identifiers on it. In particular, I am hoping that I can find out what kind of key it requires, as the lock is currently "locked" so the clasps won't go down all the way.

I *THINK* that it needs a double-winged barrel key, but I'm not quite sure where to start with that.













Other details about the trunk - it is 32"L x 19"D x 22"H. The outside of the trunk is largely covered in tin (gray decorative / black plain). The pin in the lock does not depress, and it appears to need a key that has a wing on both sides of the barrel so it can turn both sides of the lock at once to release/trap the two clasps on either side of the lock.

I hope that is enough information to go on to get started - but I will try to provide the answers to any other questions you might have, if I can! I would appreciate any information you all have. Thank you!

 

Hi KellyH and WELCOME to ANTIQUERS!! It does look to be a vintage trunk from around the mid 1800s, but it also looks to be restored! That's not a negative! The inside looks relined with paper you can buy, original handles outside and refinished wood! It looks like someone took some time with it to do a nice job cleaning it up and painting some of the metal trim!! The round top trunks (to me) were nicer because they wouldn't be stacked and damaged in travel!! Others will have more to say..... @verybrad!

 

yes...it looks like someone has brought it back to pretty condition....
missing the interior shelf....but the hardware and exterior decoration is very nice..

 

Like Aquitaine said, its most likely restored.

By the way, this is beautiful!

 

Welcome, KellyH.
Nice trunk.

 

Hi,
I agree with the others about being refinished. I had the same interior wall paper that I refinished a period bathroom back in 1968.
greg

 

Hi KellyH!

Welcome to Antiquers...........

 

Welcome Kelly... and trunk!

 

Welcome to Antiquers, @KellyH -- I suggest contacting a locksmith or other expert regarding which sort of key to use. I'll also tag forum member @Bev aka thelmasstuff -- her husband is a locksmith. But she also doesn't come here as often as some others do.

 

About the only thing I can add is age. Looks to be late 19th century or so. These were made pretty much the same for decades so possibly as early as 1880 or as late as 1910.