Are old trunks worth money?

Antique trunks vary a great deal in value. Prices depend on the age, brand, authenticity, condition, size, and rarity. While a good condition, rare Louis Vuitton trunk can fetch up to $50,000 USD, other under-valued brands or trunks of unknown origin can go for around $20 USD.

How do I know if my old trunk is valuable?

After determining the size, style, condition and decorative nature, search for other trunks similar to yours that have sold recently. Go to eBay.com and do an advanced search for "antique trunk" and check the option box marked "sold listings." Then view the sold listings in order to come up with a value for your trunk.

What can you do with an old trunk?

What are old trunks made of?

They were usually made of pine and covered in decorative material or leather. Some of the more recognizable styles of trunks include the Jenny Lind, Saratoga, steamer, barrel-top (also known as "Camelback Trunks"), and full dresser trunks.

How do you clean a vintage trunk?

Mix up a 1/2 cup of Murphy's Oil Soap in a bucket of warm water. Dip a sponge in the solution and wring it out until it's damp, not sloppy wet. Wipe the inside of the old steamer trunk out until it's clean. Rinse and wring the sponge out as needed.

These antique trunks cost HOW MUCH?!

Why did old trunks have rounded tops?

The curved top not only offered a little more storage space, it meant that when traveling it had to be placed on the top of the stack, and not the bottom, thereby reducing the likelihood of damage.

What do old trunks sell for?

Determine The Condition

Some trunks have an incredible history that is worth researching and remembering, such as this one which was traced back to the original owner! Flat-topped trunks in original condition with the canvas or leather intact can reach between $100-$750 USD.

What is the description of an antique trunk?

As its name suggests, most of these trunks have flat tops and were used mainly for travel. Their shape made them easy to stack and store on ships, carriages, and trains. They were made using canvas, leather, wood, or metal detailing.

What was the old name for trunk?

In some old catalogs, these trunks were called "packers", and the "steamer" trunk actually referred to a trunk that is often called a cabin trunk. An orthodox name for this type of trunk would be a "packer" trunk, but since it has been widely called a steamer for so long, it is now a hallmark of this style.

What is considered vintage collectible?

Heres a list of terms often used in collectible culture: Antique: a collectible item at least 100 years old. Vintage: A culturally significant item ranging from 20-99 years in age, worthy of being collected. Authentic, aged pieces in various conditions.

How do I find the value of vintage items?

"In addition to online services and search engines, it is possible to find out how much your antiques are worth by simply asking an antique dealer or an appraiser at an auction house, for instance," Martin says.

How can you tell if a piece is antique?

Technically, an antique is a piece of furniture with special value because of its age, particularly those pieces embellished with fine artistry. The age factor is subjective: general antique stores label objects 50 years or older as antiques. Fine antique dealers consider objects 150 years and older to be antique.

What is the difference between a chest and a trunk?

While designs and sizes are similar, chests are furniture, meant to remain within a structure. Chests were primarily used for storage and depending on the owner's wealth they could be ornately decorated. Trunks were designed for storage as well but were constructed to handle the hazards of travel.

How do you get the musty smell out of an old trunk?

What is the meaning of woody trunk?

having the shape or characteristics of a tree. tree. a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms.

What is an antique steamer trunk?

A steamer trunk is a square or domed shaped storage box used for packing clothing and other personal belongings for travel. The box got coined with the name steamer trunk thanks to its use aboard steam powered ships. Yes, steam powered ships like the Titanic, RMS Carpathia, RMS Queen Elizabeth, and SS Bremen.

What defines a tree trunk?

Definitions of tree trunk. the main stem of a tree; usually covered with bark; the bole is usually the part that is commercially useful for lumber. synonyms: bole, trunk. type of: stalk, stem. a slender or elongated structure that supports a plant or fungus or a plant part or plant organ.

What is a camel back trunk?

This trunk was commonly called a camel back, dome top or steamer trunk. The top on this trunk curves both directions. This design was first made in the early 1800's in Europe. The top was designed to prevent other luggage from being stacked atop them when used in traveling by ship to America.

How do you style a vintage trunk?

What luxury brand made trunks back in the day?

From his original design forward, the Louis Vuitton trunk became an instant icon that was quickly copied by other brands, designers, and manufacturers. However, thanks to the unique, creative fabrics used on the exterior of the trunks, Vuitton's designs were the most highly sought-after of the time.

How do you remove rust from an old trunk?

In response to the question of finishing the metal trunk, I am also refinishing a humpback metal trunk and have found that the best way so far to remove rust is to use vinegar and steel wool. I first used a wire brush to remove the thick rust, then used the vinegar and steel wool.

Do people still use trunks?

No, typically people don't travel with steamer trunks. Due to their size and weight, steamer trunks aren't ideal for traveling by air or sea. However, people still purchase steamer trunks to use as storage solutions and decorative accents in their homes.