Mini Trunk/ My Mother's Sewing Box

Very Old Trunk/Mini-Trunk by Jax Moving and Storage posted Apr 4, 2017 at 10:53 AM

This was my great great grandmother's. She was from Norway. My mother left it to me and told me that she believed it to be older. I have no idea about this trunk it is very beautiful and there are letters still present. I am so anxious to learn about it.

I started to upload pictures it is taking a long time go here to see them

https://www.antiquers.com/media/albums/antique-trunk-box.162/

 

This box isn't what I would call a Wallpaper box but it does have many similarities to that style which was popular in the early 1800's to mid 1800s, unless its a repro I would put it at the early side of that (1820's roughly). It would be helpful to get some more photos of the inside, the lock, and the Hinges.

 

YOU
ARE
MEMBER
NUMBER
3,999!!!
...just missed
4,000!!!!
WELCOME!!!
​

 

Welcome!

 

Hmmmmmm...I still see 3,999. Not approved yet maybe?

 

I think you may have pulled the trigger on that too soon.

 

Should I clear it off?

 

Probably; you should just change it to I think you are 3,999.

 

Just call me #4000... Am I gloating?

 

I think you are 4003

But I expect you look younger.

 

Sorry it took so long for me to get back to you I was in the middle of a meeting here are some photos it is not a reproduction I know that for fact because it was passed down to my mother who then gave it to me I really want to know more about it. That is awesome that you can tell all that from one picture I can't wait to see what you say after you see the photos. It says that the photo is too large I don't know where I should upload the photos to.?

 

Speaking of anthropomorphism, I love the cat on the end!

 

https://www.antiquers.com/media/albums/antique-trunk-box.162/

 

Thank you!! Any info would be appreciated!

https://www.antiquers.com/media/albums/antique-trunk-box.162/

 

After seeing some more of your photos I would probably date it a little earlier then I did before (somewhere around 1800). The type of lock would indicate no earlier than the very late 1700's; I'm not sure about the original use, my first thought was a Liquor chest but if it is one it is an unusual design. My other thought was a hat box but it looks too bulky and is not the right dimensions for a hat box. The writing on the front might help to identify it although all I can make out is what I think says L Aan. Whatever is says could be someone's name or be linked to the original contents.
Here is a photo of the writing with increased contrast:

 

I believe it says Anno 1861....I posted elsewhere, but really do not know where......

Wherever the added pics are and the link provided to see them.\

Here is one similar, but in very good condition.

 

You are right actually it says L Aan and on the back left front side there looks like a K the right lighting on the right side all I can make out is 861 I have more pictures but we went to go eat I'll load them thank you so much for all your help this is so awesome that's crazy how could it still be in such OK shape

 

I think you're right, I didn't notice the 1861 in the other photo. The writing doesn't look original to the box. I'm not sure if this is connected but l'Anno means "year" in Italian; not sure if it could mean "In the year 1861."

 

The same in Sweden and Norway....(not sure about Denmark).

The lettering does look original to me....might have been refreshed at one point tho. I say that only because the rest of the box has seen lots of use, yet the lettering is still pronounced.

 

Wow I didn't know that I think that it might be the year 1861 but I only see the numbers 861 and then a dot. I don't know if they're riding if it's original to the box because my mother believed it was handed down to my great grandmother and she used it on the ferry to church to pack their lunches and other things. And my great great grandmother was from Norway