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How do I know if my old trunk is valuable?

How do I know if my old trunk is valuable?

Little details determine where in that range the price will fall. If you paint anything on the trunk black or gold (metal banding, corners, etc) the trunk’s value will fall in the low end of the range. Having the original key pushes the value up, as do any types of tags or labels indicating who made the trunk.

How do you identify a vintage trunk?

1) To be considered antique, trunks must be at least 100 years and cannot have been restored. This greatly affects their value and should definitely be taken into consideration when you’re looking to start or expand your collection.

What can you do with a steamer trunk?

Protect the top of a leather or very old wooden trunk with a sheet of glass or a metal tray to avoid water rings and provide stability to glassware or decorative objects. The generous space inside of a coffee table-sized steamer trunk works to store clothes or bedding and pillows for occasional couch surfers.

Why is it called a steamer trunk?

Steamer trunks (named after their location of storage in the cabin of a steam ship, or “steamer”) which are sometimes referred to as flat-tops, first appeared in the late 1870s, although the greater bulk of them date from the 1880–1920 period.

How do you clean an old steamer 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.

What is a Louis Vuitton trunk worth?

Highlighted by a number of pieces — like the Christopher backpack, Keepall duffel bag, accessories and two footwear styles — the most newsworthy piece was the Louis Vuitton trunk, which will retail for a whopping $68,500 (all prices in USD) — double a regular in-house trunk.

How do you clean an old trunk?

Clean metal antique trunks with a mixture of one part white vinegar and one part water in a spray bottle. Gently clean paper lined trunk interiors by spraying the vinegar solution on your cleaning cloth and carefully wiping down the interior.

What is an old steamer trunk worth?

These are the two most important factors in determining the value of your antique steamer trunk. Louis Vuitton trunks will sell for between $3000 and $20,000 while an unmarked steamer trunk will only sell for between $75 and $100. Martin Maier and Goyard steamer trunks may sell for between $500 and $3000.

What can I do with an old wooden trunk?

A vintage trunk can be also turned into a home bar, just renovate or decorate it as you need and then put on some legs of your choice, or put several trunks on each other. Voila! you can use the top or open the chest and place bottles and glasses inside.

How do you deodorize an old trunk?

If any odor remains, place a small bowl filled with white vinegar in the bottom of the trunk and close the lid. Vinegar is a natural odor absorber and neutralizer that will help rid the trunk of odor. Leave the bowl of vinegar inside the trunk overnight.

How do you get the musty smell out of a steamer trunk?

Spray them with water and then generously sprinkle baking soda on the wet paper. Layer these in the bottom and leave it until it dries. Repeat these steps until the smell has lessened.

How can you tell a real Louis Vuitton trunk?

Matching the lock number with the sales number that is listed on its label to an official Louis Vuitton registry would provide you with the correct identity of the owner. The owner of the trunk is also identified by a monogram, typically placed on the exterior of the trunk.

How much is a wooden steamer trunk worth?

Determine the construction of the trunk. If the piece is made from pressed cardboard over plywood and sports imitation leather straps, assume it is worth only around $20. If the trunk is made of solid wood, such as pine, with real leather straps, it can be worth $300 and more.

What was the inside of a steamer trunk?

The interiors sometimes contain trays but little else of note. Steamer trunks are distinct from dome-top trunks and “stagecoach” trunks that are held together with leather bands and brass studs. Steamer trunks come in various sizes. Some models were carry-on pieces of luggage that could be stowed underneath the berths of trains.

How big is an antique Louis Vuitton steamer trunk?

Antique early-20th Century genuine and superb Louis Vuitton courier / steamer trunk, very large size, painted monogram canvas, leather and brass bound, reinforced with wooden laths, Antique steamer trunk coffee table or side table with inner, removable compartment and new 3/8″ glass.

What kind of luggage did a steamer have?

Elegantly distressed antique steamer travel trunk in aged leather wood & iron trim 1890s vintage luggage Fabulous interior compartments and storage design. Wonderfully patinated har…