OK, this trunk is finished! I have moved it into my office. I put my hanging files in there and it is now my new filing cabinet!
And just as I thought, this trunk looks awesome! I love the cherry like finish, the black accents, and the hardware!
And now the rearranging starts! LOL.
The one that was in my office will end up as the new toy box. The present toy box will be on it’s way to it’s new home at our daughter’s house. And then it all starts again as soon as the next one is complete!
Starting to feel like musical trunks around here. When the music stops, where ever the trunk is, will be it’s new home! LOL.
This is amazing. I have the exact same, I mean EXACT same trunk. My parents have had it and had it redone years ago. It sits in my front room. I don’t mean a look alike, an exact match. When you say restored I wonder do you mean you left the old patina or removed it and had it redone. Of course watching Antiques Roadshow we know that removing the old patina detracts greatly from the worth but then each to their own.
OH, one addition. It has a top sectioned drawer that lifts out. I do not know without looking closely, although that’s not a given, if it was added or was with the trunk from it’s genesis.
Jack,
Most trunks from the era had a lift out tray. Normally when you find an old trunk the tray is missing and the lock is broken.
Jack,
If you follow back to the beginning you can see the original shape of this trunk. Originally it was canvas covered. That was removed and the trunk was sanded down and refinished. This was my 10th trunk that was refinished like that.
It is way too much trouble for me to restore a trunk to it’s original condition. But I like the look of this restoration!
I also have a flat top runk like this that was my mother’s. I want to just clean it up but leave the original hardware as is. Is there a way to do this without taking off the canvas? I like the canvas too.
Debi, I always recommend leaving trunks in the original condition if they are in good shape. In my opinion any mild soap and water would work. I would make sure that you dry it well when you are finished. I would even use an air compressor or a vacuum in the blow mode to insure that you get rid of all of the water. Sounds like a dandy trunk! Congratulations. Bob
We have a trunk very, very much like this one, but it has what appears to be a mesh tin where you had canvas…I really like the look you attained here, however. Have you ever removed the tin or is that impossible? Hubby wants to try to cut it off with a Dremel bit…any help appreciated…Thanks! (Obviously our first venture into trunkdoM_
Debra, I would be hesitant to attempt to remove tin unless it was too bad to save or if the trunk has low value. I have never attempted it and would only do it if I was not worried about losing the trunk. You may end up leaving a lot of sharp edges and fragments exposed. Just my opinion.
Bob
I just bought my first antique trunk. And it needs WORK. I was just wondering do you always sand the trunks down by hand (as opposed to an electric sander)? And what grit do you typically use?
Sorry if you have already addressed this somewhere on your website.
Thanks!
Dianna,
I use electric sanders and I also sand by hand. It really depends on what I am doing. If I am trying to smooth out some rough areas I will go to a heavier grit. Chances are you will not hurt the trunk no matter what you do. But I usually start in a place that will not be as noticeable before I go too far. Sorry to be so vague, and I hope that helps!
Bob
Wonderful ideas and tips! I am so glad that I happened onto this site. I just purchased an antique steamer trunk that is in great condition (for $35!!) and am really looking forward to the restoration process. I thought about fixing it up for resale, but I’m already in love with the old gal. Even though I don’t have a place for such a large piece at this time, I think I am going to have to MAKE room for it. I hope my restoration comes out as good as yours! Cheers ~
Denise, restore and keep that baby. You can always find room and a use for it. Coffee table, toy box, filing cabinet, or whatever else your imagination can come up with. You will never regret it! Bob
Question I have a trunk very similar to this and that had canvas on it and I’m taking all the canvas off ..in place of the canvas I want to replace it with the embossed tin section by section. Just wondering if you think am I going to be able to do this
I have never done this nor heard of it being done. In my opinion it would be very tough.