About my trunk
by
Patricia W
+3
I'm stumped as to the maker of the trunk we found today. Ive searched the internet for the name on the trunk and cant find one like it or a company named " Pratt". Any suggestions? We are going to restore it and sell it so Id like to be able to tell a buyer what it is. It had leather handles and lots of metal all over it, its on cast iron casters, and all it says is " Pratt, Toledo, Ohio. Its Cedar wood, I know that much. It had green fabric between all of the metal bands and pieces, the inside was all papered. Thank you:}
6 answers
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I found out its a Stave Trunk, which was made from 1865-1880.
Patricia W
on Apr 23, 2013
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Ok, now I found out the Pratt family was very prominent in Toledo . Getting closer!
Patricia W
on Apr 23, 2013
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What a great find! I have a book with a listing of over 400 trunk makers, and "Pratt" is not on that list. I think you're absolutely right about that being the family name who owned it, and it is a Barrel Stave Trunk, which means the wood bracing runs horizontally across the top, and helps date it to 1860-1885. It's probably an oil cloth covering. Beautiful find, and you won't hurt it a bit by restoring it, although I would be temped to just repair loose pieces and give it a good coating of paste wax. I love it just the way it is and you may be surprised at what a difference the wax will make!
Leslie D
on Apr 23, 2013
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Thank you so much Leslie D! I did a little research and yes, a Barrel Stave Trunk! I know the time and the name my husband looked up. I wish I could read the little baggage check tags on it! Im leaving the name and location on it, that area is fairly nice. Also the bagcheck tickets are staying, Funny a few months back my hubby found a baggie with some papers in it in "the gutter" probably someones trash. That guy always finds stuff! Anyway, the papers were really old train tickets from that time period! Ill probably add those to it when I sell it, or make a small area inside and add those. Even if the owner didn't use those tickets, it would be a fun addition I think. I did find one seller on Ebay who has the #4 latches, Im trying really hard to get those! They are an exact match to the ones on the trunk, and one of ours is cracked. I did message him and he said the picture of my trunk was the exact trunk he took them from. Now for the smell! I got a tip from Eagle trunks on how to get rid of the smell. Thanks again for your input!
Patricia W
on Apr 23, 2013
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hi, you asked me to comment on your trunk. I don't know the maker but whatever you do, don't destroy the labels or the original integrity of the trunk. Restored it could be worth $400 or more but I have had a hard time selling them lately...economy? good luck
Ponds Patios and Waterfalls Co.
on Apr 23, 2013
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Thank You Ponds! We are going to restore it for sure. Maybe put it on craigslist in Toledo Ohio after it is refinished.
Patricia W
on Apr 23, 2013
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