antique wardrobe travel trunk

Antique Trunks Identification And Value (Expert Guide)

• By Judith Miller
• Updated on June 24, 2024

If you love French interiors, you may long for an old trunk in your space. But what if I told you that you can be rich with it, too? Well, antique trunks, mainly the branded 1870s ones, are precious and desirable! And that makes them a great asset for decor and investment.

But how do you identify vintage trunks and decide their value? Worry not! Today, I’ll tell you all the trunk types and features for antique trunk identification and its price estimation. So, let’s get into it!

Key Takeaways

• You can spot antique trunks by their cuboidal shapes, bevel tops, seasoned tops, and carvings.
• Large, old trunks, about 18 – 20 inches tall, with 2-3 drawers are highly valuable. Remember to check if they have any chips, cracks, or faded portions to get the right price!
• Pick wood, zinc, or leather trunks for a high value! You can even use dark brown, maroon, or bare metal panels to reduce the cost.
• Portable steamers and flat-topped trunks are costly, while Saratoga or Jenny Lind trunks are cheaper! To value trunks correctly, look for alterations or branding.

Key Identification Features of Vintage Trunks

Vintage trunks look like any other storage chests. But since people used them for travel, they were lighter and minimal. And not to forget their striped canvas bodies and iron or oak frames!

But do you know which features make your old trunks more authentic?

• Zinc, Leather, or Metal coverings with Brown, Silver, or Orange lacquer
• Leather straps with metal latches or solid locks
• Stamped logos with additional brand and price tags at the base
• A slatted, cuboidal shape with 2-3 horizontal stiles on its face
• Flat and seasoned exterior with tapered beveling at the top
• Scalloped details with extra nail heads and a distressed polish

History & Evolution of Trunks

Did you know that the Victorians designed the first trunks to ease their sea travel? Tall and leather-covered, these 1870s trunks were solid and simplistic. You can also see an animal skin lining that makes them waterproof!

Then came the typical wooden crate trunks of the 1890s. These trunks were cuboidal and had a flat top for easy stacking. You can also find some leather, canvas, or tin designs with these. These trunks are more aesthetic and valuable!

Lastly, the later 20th Century trunks are more functional. So, you can find drawers, hangers, and wheels in them. And there may also be some locks and straps with their branded designs. So, they are very precious today!

7 Types of Antique Trunks With Values

Back then, people classified trunks into 6 types based on their tops and designs. But these types make antique trunk identification and valuation easier. So, let’s find out more about them!

1. Flat-Topped Trunks

You all must know a typical cuboidal chest with handles and drawers. Well, flat-topped trunks look the same but have handles and stiles on their faces.

You can also find leather straps, anchors, and clinch nailing with this one. And since these are old, big, and sturdy, they have a valuation of $3000 – 4000.

2. Dome-Topped Trunks

Dome-topped trunks are ornate and come in camel, humpback, or round shapes. You’ll get them in convex and concave lids with carved tops. But, they are more costly, pricing around $4000 – 5000.

3. Jenny Lind Trunks

Jenny Lind trunks are just like a bread loaf – bulging tops and curved centers. They usually have large brass bands and blind nailing on their edges. Plus, concealed latches and handles are also common with these.

But Jenny Lind’s trunks might buckle and turn blackish with age, giving it a low cost of up to $600.

4. Slatted Trunks

You can identify slatted trunks with their unique slit design and grooved joints. These are mostly cuboidal, but limited-edition trunks can also be square or round. So, they are aesthetic, and you can value them for $2000 – 3000.

5. Steamer Trunk

Steamer trunks were meant for travel. So, they are the most compact, lightweight, and flexible of all. You can also expect regional motifs, lining, and customized hangers on them. So, they are quite precious, valued at $15,000 – 20,000.

6. Saratoga Trunks

Saratoga trunks are elite holiday trunks with canvas and fabric lining. Branded by Stanley and Clinton, these cost around $500 – 600, depending on the size.

7. Antique Military Trunks

As you all might guess, military trunks are small, portable trunks, costing $600 – 3000 for army papers and weapons. So, they had water-resistant metal walls, insulation, and compartments for secret stuff. Also, each had a unique combination lock with wood cases.

7 Factors to Identify & Value a Vintage Trunk Correctly

Old vintage trunks are generally worth $50 to $200, with rarer, bare wood trunks with hand-polished finishes fetching up to $1,000 – $5,000 or even more. Naturally, the final value of a vintage trunk depends on age, brand, materials, size, and a few other factors.

1. Manufacturing Date & Age

It’s no secret that old trunks are precious! And it’s not just about the handmade finish and thick walls! But, the 1870s trunks used large, slatted logs that now hike the value of old metal trunks by 30 – 35%.

However, trunks from the later 1920s were small and commercial. So, steel and plastic replaced wood, and its value and intricacy declined!

Want more help dating your old trunk? Check out the hints below!

How Do You Identify Old Trunks from the 1870s?

You can spot these trunks by their solid wood panels and faded finishes. Most will be portable, weighing 24 lbs and 10-12 inches in height. Plus, you can find regional carvings, bevel tops, and natural motifs, valuing $40,000 – 50,000.

How Do You Spot Trunks from the 1890s?

Look for a 3-slat design and brown leather finish to identify these! You’ll also find a superior monogram or oil finish, costing up to $20,000.

How Do You Find Old Trunks from the 1900s?

Trunks from the 1900s are more aesthetic. So, you can find rich leather and brass finishes with them. They are longer, about 21 inches in height, and have extra cushions that cost $14,000 – 15,000.

How Do You Spot Trunks from the 1920s?

These trunks are small, about 40 inches long and 10 inches in height. They are more polished and have logos and patent numbers for easy tracking. But, they have low demand and a value of up to $1000.

Here are some patent numbers for your reference:

Pick handmade tongue and grooved or screwed trunks for an old make.

2. Trunk Shape

The fancier the form, the lesser the value! So, it’s the old, cuboidal trunks that earn the highest value! You can also get antique trunks in curved or elongated shapes. But, those might have a machine construction, reducing the cost by 10 -12%.

Read on to know the average cost of each trunk shape!

3. Color & Finish

An antique trunk’s color can tell a lot about its value! For instance, old, bare wood or metal trunks indicate an old and precious hand finish. Similarly, black, brown or exclusive colors like maroon and golden show an oxidized finish and hike returns.

But, if your trunk has bold orange or blue walls, it might be new and painted. So, you better avoid it if you want returns.

Avoid buying veneer trunks as these are common and cheaper.

4. Materials

Antique trunks usually consist of four materials: hide, wood, fabrics, and metal. The hide ones are rare, customized, and handmade, so they are the most precious! In contrast, wood or leather ones might be machine-processed or painted, so they are cheaper.

And if you see a shiny patina on your trunk’s surface, it’s definitely steel! But such trunks dent and rust easily. So, you won’t get a high value for them.

Crystallized metal trunks might look like aged quartz. So dust the trunk and flash a torch to check its sheen.

5. Antique Trunk Brands

Branded things are always costly, right? And vintage trunks are no exception! In fact, signed trunks from the 1900s cost $40,000 – 50,000 globally.

But how do you know if a trunk is branded? Well, for that, you need to observe some brand-specific hinges, locks, and bevels. Or, look for a logo or time and date patent on their stiles and brackets. This will help you sort the brands!

Want to know more? Check out these popular branded trunks for reference!

6. Size & Space

The larger the size, the more precious the trunk!

Antique trunks are around 11-12 inches in height. But you can even get rare, customized pieces over 18 inches tall. You can even find some extra features like drawers, hangers, and brackets with them. So, naturally, they are more functional and valuable at $2000 – 3000.

7. Trunk Alterations

Believe it or not! However, any amateur alterations or restoration can devalue your trunk by 30-40%. Antique collectors pick original maker’s marks and handmade finishes for better value.

So, any DIY-painted or decoupaged trunks will be relatively cheaper. In contrast, trunks with faded colors and seasoned wood panels might value up to $2000.

How Do You Clean an Old Canvas Trunk?

Gently vacuum the trunk with a wide-angled hose and dust it carefully. Now, use a dry brush and clean out all the nooks and corners of the canvas sheet. You can also dab it with a sponge to remove nasty stains and cobwebs.

Where Can I Sell My Antique Trunks?

You can sell your antique trunks on e-commerce platforms like eBay, Etsy, and Brettuns Village. Or, you can visit your local antique shops and auctions and put your item for a bid.

Antique trunks are the showstopper of any vintage decor with their unique shapes and finishes. Large, handmade, and organic-colored trunks get the best deal. But even old trunks with a leather, animal skin, or zinc finish are precious!

However, people often confuse a larger trunk for a dresser and a smaller one for a safe! So, learn more about the different types of antique dressers and old safes to sort out this confusion!

Judith Miller

Judith is an antique expert with nearly 20 years of experience in the field of antique identification and valuation. She has reviewed over 30 thousand vintage items and has worked with numerous antique shops. She enjoys seeing new places, attending antique shows and events, and sharing her knowledge with people! Know more about me

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Antique Travel Trunk Wardrobe Circa 1900s

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Very rare antique Lilley Wardrobe Trunk great vintage condition, a perfect coffee table with lots of storage. Incredible inside the … more Very rare antique Lilley Wardrobe Trunk great vintage condition, a perfect coffee table with lots of storage. Incredible inside the silver knobs are all shiny and functional. All the brass on the trunk have aged patina that looks perfect. The silky fabric inside is a nice gold color. A beautiful American trunk less

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A Guide to Vintage Traveling Trunks of Yore

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So many people love to travel these days that they even do it full time. But traveling used to be a lot less common. It was harder, it took longer, and it was a lot more expensive.

If you were to travel back in time (see what I did there?), you’d see a fantastic evolution of the suitcase. These days, we’re constantly reinventing the suitcase, but before the turn of the century, people used trunks. (No, guys, this has nothing to do with elephants, don’t worry!)

Today, we would think of a trunk as a permanent fixture—something to hold blankets in the corner and look pretty. But back then, they were highly functional. It was what you took on your journey because they were often long and arduous. You needed to bring more with you than you would right now.

The fascinating thing about luggage is that it seems to follow the history of human movement. It symbolizes every revolution in transportation since the steamship, and it’s an important piece of our heritage.

Trunk Construction

In the 19th century, suitcases, as we know them, didn’t exist. To travel properly, you needed a trunk made of wood and leather, supported by a heavy iron base. Only the best trunks used tree sap or canvas to waterproof them from the most popular mode of travel at the time – the steamship.

Without waterproofing, your trunk would be soaked in a matter of minutes. If it weren’t heavy or durable enough, it would be crushed by other, heavier trunks in a number of hours or days. You’d never make it to your destination with all of your belongings intact.

However, trunks were also useful as the railroad began to expand westward in the United States, and they were often used for this mode of travel as well.

You may often hear trunks referred to as steamer trunks, which is a name given to them because they were so commonly used for steamship travel. However, travel trunks, or simply trunks, are acceptable, too.

But I’m curious to learn about the different trunk styles, so let us have a look:

Trunk Styles

Aside from being as durable as possible, there were many different styles. What you owned was very indicative of your place in society. Plain or ornate, flat or domed lid, simply hardware or plenty of embellishments, people could easily tell whether you were poor or wealthy.

So let us take a closer look at the different trunk styles:

Flat top trunks

Image by teramakashi0 via Pixabay

Flat top travel trunks were much more affordable than anything else, but they were practical, too. They could be easily stacked in the cargo area, where lower or middle-class travelers would leave their things.

There was much less room on a ship than there would be in first class, so these were not only accessible to those who couldn’t afford something nicer, but they were necessary if you planned to travel on a ship.

There’s no flair here, only the basic construction of the trunk. They may or may not have been waterproof, but you lived within your means, even if it meant you didn’t have the best. Today, we might think of one of these as very beautiful, but they were the most basic form of trunk you could get. 

As a general rule, flat-top trunks are priced much lower than their Dome Top trunks brothers and sisters. There are some cases that are an exception, but then the case has to be incredibly special!

If the flat top trunks are something that you would like to add to your home, you can check out Etsy.  

But I have to warn you that these prices are going to be on the pricier side. If you don’t want to spend a fortune on these antique items, you could always check out auctions. They can go as little as $1.

Prices will, however, depend on your location. But keep the following in mind. These trunks are quite big, and not everyone has a lot of space in their homes to dedicate to vintage trunks. Because of this, the demand is low, and so are the prices. So you might be surprised with what you can find.

Dome top trunks

Image by malleencoin via Etsy

But let’s be honest, who needs practicality when you can afford this?

These trunks had the most flair, with dramatic lids and ornate hardware. They were waterproofed, stained, and polished to look shiny and new. When you weren’t traveling, you would use your trunk for decoration in the home, to show it off.

These were very expensive, so they were only used by the very wealthy. Often, they were purchased for a bride on her wedding day and given as a gift. They were also used to store valuable items or heirlooms.

The inside of these trunks was also more elaborate and accommodating than a flat top trunk. They included smaller compartments for handkerchiefs and trays for jewelry. Some also had additional features like wheels.

These trunks have high curved tops, with a height of 25 to 30 inches. They date back to 1870 to the early 1900s. And there are still a few shops manufacturing them to this day. Not only are they the most common form of antique trunks, but they are also the most popular.

Bevel top trunks

Image by Damian Gadal via Flickr

This type of trunk is just like it sounds. Whether it was domed or flat, it had ornate beveling on the top and perhaps on the sides. Flat designs are still practical while displaying a little bit of style.

These were used by middle-class passengers because they could afford just a tad extra.

Monitor top trunks

Image by anaterate via Pixabay

These trunks were flat on the top, but they had rounded edges. They could be plain or ornate in design, depending on who was buying them. The hardware also varied from basic to decorative.

These shapes were more exciting than the plain flat top trunk but still practical for traveling. 

Personally, this is my favorite so far because it reminds me of a treasure chest. I would definitely love to have one of these in my home!

Wall Trunks: 

Although these trunks look very similar to the rest of the trunks, there is something different about them, their hinge mechanism, and the way the trunks open and close. These trunks were ideal for small spaces because you could push them against the wall, and you could open the lid without having to save a lot of space for the top part to be opened. 

These Saratoga trunks were named after Saratoga, NY, a very popular vacation spot for the wealthy in the 1800s. These trunks were definitely one of the fancier options and had a rounded top.

Jenny Lind: 

This antique trunk became popular in the 1850s, and 60’s when the famous Swedish singer Jenny Lind toured the US for two years.

Steamer Trunk: 

These steamer trunks were mostly flat tops and were designed for traveling purposes and to fit in small spaces. They were square-shaped or dome-shaped and were used to put clothes and personal belongings in when people traveled.

Due to luggage regulations, steamer trunks were usually not more than 14 inches tall. What makes the situation unfortunate is that if you weren’t wealthy, you could only take one or two sets of clothes with you and anything else that could fit into this small steamer trunk.

It has been a struggle for collectors to identify steamer trunks because the trunk manufacturers either marked the trunk with a paper label that did not last very long, or they just didn’t mark the steamer trunks at all. 

This makes it difficult to see what vintage steamer trunk you have.

Buying an antique steamer trunk

So I have convinced you to purchase an antique steamer trunk, but where do you purchase them?

Here is a list of places you can buy antique steamer trunks:

• Antique malls

Your Antique Steamer trunk value

You will be able to find an antique steamer trunk at any of these places mentioned above for under $100. But whether they are valuable will depend on the condition it is in.

The Actual Suitcase

Suitcases eventually caught on by the end of the 1800s. But the name comes from its literal purpose, which was to carry suits. Did you know this?

These suitcases contained inner sleeves for shirts, and some even had a hatbox on the side.

However, even after the popularity of the suitcase increased, it wasn’t the only baggage style available. Trunks were still more popular for traveling long distances because they could hold more things and were much more durable.

This is when club bags and portable wardrobes also gained in popularity. A club bag was an early form of a duffel bag with soft sides and a zipper closure. They were more practical and much less heavy than a trunk.

As men began to travel farther distances for work or families intended to travel by car rather than steamship or railroad, they wanted something that was easier to bring along their journey, and these suitcases fit this description. 

The Evolution

Bringing us back to today, the evolution of luggage came from necessity. While it used to be that baggage was handled by porters, bustling terminals have made this baggage handling much more difficult.

Long handles, wheels, and security features were developed from the increasing popularity and ease of travel. Given the size of most modern airports, you wouldn’t want to be stuck dragging something as large or heavy as a trunk.

Traveling trunks may only be useful as accessories now, but they hold even more allure than they did when they were new. Vintage travel trunks are highly collectible and are amazingly functional pieces of furniture.

The purpose of vintage trunks today

Okay, well, I’m sure you are not going to use the vintage trunks to travel because they will definitely not fit the airport guidelines. And you will be tired before you even reach your destination.

But there are many other options that you can use these vintage trunks for today. So, let me tell you all about them, and maybe you can incorporate some of these ideas in your home too!

Coffee and console tables

Trust me; it looks stunning! It is perfect as a coffee table because it looks chique and will definitely steal the show when you have people over! But what if it doesn’t fit my interior? You can always paint it or add some extra detail to it.

Bedside tables or footboard benches

Now we are talking! Turn these gorgeous vintage trunks into your stylish bedside table and add some chic bedside lamps to match the aesthetic. You can also use it as a footboard bench for your bed. Not only can you use it for the aesthetic, but you can store some items in it too; maybe your shoes have found a new home.

Okay, maybe this is one you didn’t even think about, but you are going to now. You can decorate and design it as you please and maybe even add some legs or layer it with other trunks. You then have the option of either having the bottles on the top of the trunk or placing them inside of it.

A place for storing your comfy blankets

I don’t know about you guys, but being snuggled up in my soft, comfy blanket while watching a movie is the best feeling in the world. And displaying my blankets in these vintage trunks is not only convenient, but it gives my home a cozy vintage look and feel.

Okay, so the antique trunks that were once used for traveling are now being used as furniture in your home, but have you ever wondered whether those trunks are the real deal? And how can you determine it? 

Well, I want to share with you how you can determine if your trunk is antique and the things you need to pay attention to. So let us dive right in.

• For the trunk to be considered as antique, it needs to be over 100 years old, and it cannot have been restored because this affects the value of the trunk.
• When you are buying online and not in person, make sure that the seller of the trunk has photos that include the smaller details of the trunk, for example, the lining, the hardware, and the locks. 
• Make sure there are no holes or missing pieces because this makes the trunk lose its value
• Pay attention to detail; the more expensive trunks will have features like leather and brass
• Make sure you always do your research 

Some interesting facts:

Did you know that your favorite brand also made trunks and still does to this day? Jip, I’m talking about Louis Vuitton. In 1858 the first Louis Vuitton trunk was introduced that featured a gray Trianon canvas. And in 1872, the gray canvas was replaced with a striped canvas.

Making the Louis Vuitton trunks is a lengthy process, actually an extremely lengthy process with 150 hours per trunk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answer: You can create a home bar, a bedside table, footboard benches, a coffee table, and a place to keep your blankets.

Answer: Yes, when you have refinished the trunk, it can vary anything from $250 to $750.

Answer: Old trunks were used as furniture and storage. 

Answer: The top of the antique trunk is called a box.

I hope you guys enjoyed this guide to vintage traveling trunks and ways you can make your home more vintagey. Do you own a vintage trunk, or would you like to own one in the near future? If you like the vintage trunks as much as I do, you can check out these antique trunks mentioned above on Etsy or even attend an auction. And let us know which trunk is your favorite. Happy antique trunk shopping!

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• Homemade Vintage Toy Plans: An Old-Timey DIY Nightmare?

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Vintage Travel Trunks

Antique 19th century french napoleon iii trunks and luggage.

Leather, Fabric, Wood

Large Travel Trunk, Antique Travel Trunk in Leather, Wood and Fabric, XIXth.

Early 20th century english mid-century modern trunks and luggage.

Brown Alligator Travel Trunk

Vintage 1920s french art deco decorative boxes.

French Antique Leather Traveling Trunk

Antique 18th century and earlier english trunks and luggage.

17th Century Leather Travelling Trunk

Mid-20th century mid-century modern blanket chests.

Brass, Zinc

Mid-20th Century Traveling Trunk

20th century trunks and luggage.

R. L. i. Travel Trunk with wheels

Early 20th century trunks and luggage.

1940's Hartmann Traveling Trunk w/ Original Key

Vintage 1940s italian mid-century modern trunks and luggage.

Antique Wood and Metal Travel Trunk, Italy 1940s

Antique late 19th century victorian trunks and luggage.

Victorian Canvas Dome Top Traveling Trunk

Antique 17th century dutch trunks and luggage.

Elaborately Decorated 17th Century Studded Leather Traveling Trunk

Antique 1820s english campaign trunks and luggage.

British Campaign Royalty Leather Traveling Trunk, Circa 1820

Antique 19th century english victorian trunks and luggage.

19th Century Victorian Era English Traveling Trunk

Antique late 19th century american classical trunks and luggage.

19th Century Travel Trunk by Innovation

Antique 1860s blanket chests.

Boston Civil War Era Leather Brass Travel Trunk

Antique 18th century european other trunks and luggage.

Brass, Bronze

French Traveling Trunk Domed Leather Brass Ornate Studded Fleur De Lys

Vintage 1920s italian art deco trunks and luggage.

Canvas, Hemp, Wood

Italian 1920s Green Travel Trunk All Wood and Hemp Canvas

Antique 1890s scottish country trunks and luggage.

Vintage Brown Leather Military Travel Trunk by R.W. Forsyth

20th century japanese mid-century modern trunks and luggage.

Aluminum, Steel

Midcentury Japanese Aluminum Steamer Travel Trunk by Kowa

20th century italian trunks and luggage.

Italian 20th Century Leather, Wood and Brass Travel Trunk with Rustic Character

Antique 1850s italian country blanket chests.

1850s Antique Country Traveling Trunk Chest in Solid Pine Wood Restored

Early 20th century european hollywood regency models and miniatures.

Antique Leather Wardrobe Travel Trunk Salesman Sample

Vintage 1940s english trunks and luggage.

Large Polished Aluminum Clad Aviation Travel Trunk

Antique mid-19th century italian country blanket chests.

Italy 1850s Antique Traveling Trunk Chest in Solid Wood Polished to Wax

Early 20th century north american art deco blanket chests.

Metal, Brass

Vintage Large Royal Robe Art Deco Standing Wardrobe Steamer Travel Trunk

Early 20th century art deco trunks and luggage.

Antique Art Deco Steel Metal Military Weapons Black Storage Travel Trunk

Antique late 19th century english victorian trunks and luggage.

Antique Travel Trunk, English, Pine, Zinc Lined, Carriage Chest, Victorian

Antique 19th century english trunks and luggage.

A Very Rare 19th Century Anglo Indian Travelling Trunk

Antique late 19th century french rustic trunks and luggage.

French 1890s Brown and Black Travel Trunk with Leather Straps and Aged Patina

Custom Vintage Italian Leather Toiletry Box Case Travel Trunk Nailhead Trim

Antique early 1900s argentine trunks and luggage.

Wrought Iron

Wrought Iron Travel Trunk

Early 20th century australian trunks and luggage.

Vintage Shoe Travelling Case, Salesman's, Collector's, Travel Trunk, Globite

Early 20th century french trunks and luggage.

Early 20th Century French Black Leather Traveling Trunk with Brass Detailing

Antique 19th century victorian blanket chests.

Large Lined Iron Banded Travel Trunk made by H D Dean

Antique early 19th century american folk art trunks and luggage.

Early Colonial Stained Maple Handmade Travel Trunk / Chest with Hinged Top

Antique early 1900s italian trunks and luggage.

Italian early 1900s brown leather cardboard travel trunk with key, early 1900s

Antique 19th century american trunks and luggage.

19th C. Brass Riveted Leather Travel Trunk Sage's Trunk Depot Boston, Ma.

Leather, Canvas

English Victorian Period 19th Century Black Traveling Trunk With Initials J.G.F.

Antique late 19th century french trunks and luggage.

Vintage French Antique Travel Trunk By Au Touriste Paris

Mid-20th century british blanket chests.

Vintage Campaign Chest, English, Camphorwood, Military Travel Trunk, Circa 1930

Antique 19th century british victorian blanket chests.

Leather, Wood, Canvas

Large English Victorian Dome Top Canvas Steamer Travel Trunk. Monogrammed F.H.D.

21st century and contemporary french art deco dry bars.

Rare High-End Bespoke Shagreen Travelling Trunk Cocktail Bar by Ginger Brown

20th century rustic trunks and luggage.

Vintage Elm Travel Trunk Circa 1900

Antique late 19th century french art nouveau blanket chests.

French Parisienne Black wood and brass travel trunk - 19th Paris France

Antique early 1900s north american industrial trunks and luggage.

19th Century Travel Trunk by Innovation, , , great size 25 x 25 x25

Mid-20th century french mid-century modern trunks and luggage.

Metal, Iron

Leather Travel Trunk with Handles, France, 1940s

20th century european victorian trunks and luggage.

ViNTAGE HAND CARVED JARABOSKY DOME TOPPED STEAMER TRAVEL TRUNK STAMPED ON FRONT

Antique 19th century trunks and luggage.

Travelling Trunk Made by P.J Botto & Co

Vintage 1930s french bohemian trunks and luggage.

French Mediterranean Canvas and Wood Travel Trunk, 1930s

Early 2000s japanese modern trunks and luggage.

Leather Trunk Contemporary Wardrobe Travel Trunk by Shigeru Uchida

Antique 17th century blanket chests.

Leather, Wood

17th Century English Leather Travel Trunk on Later Stand

Mid-20th century french belle époque trunks and luggage.

Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas Cosmetic Vanity Travel Trunk Case

Early 20th century art deco decorative boxes.

Leather Hat Box, Travel Trunk with Original Stickers, 1920s

Vintage 1930s french art deco trunks and luggage.

1930s Red Canvas "Cube Shape" Hat Trunk, Steamer Trunk, Travel Trunk

English Victorian 19th Century Leather Travel Trunk with Brass Hardware

Early 20th century chinese chinese export trunks and luggage.

Antique circa 1900 Hand Carved Chinese Camphor Wood Travelling Trunk

1930s Red Canvas "Cube Shape" French Hat Trunk, Steamer Trunk, Travel Trunk

Antique 1870s american industrial blanket chests.

19thC Wooden Travel Trunk Storage & Cocktail Table Crouch & Fitzgerald New York

Vintage 1920s chinese chinese export trunks and luggage.

Chinese Camphor Wood Travelling Trunk Silk Lined Multi Compartments, circa 1920

Antique late 19th century french jewelry boxes.

Brass, Iron

19th Century French Poplar Iron Brass and Leather Travel Trunk Jewelry Box

Antique early 1900s chinese chinese export trunks and luggage.

Antique circa 1900 Hand Carved Chinese Camphor Wood Travelling Trunk Nice Finish

Vintage travel trunks for sale on 1stdibs, how much are vintage travel trunks.

• How much are old trunks worth? 1 Answer 1stDibs Expert February 22, 2021 The value of a trunk depends on the condition, style, size, and make. Usually fully restored American made trunks can be anywhere from $300 to $900. A vintage French made trunk will usually be more than $2,000. There are plenty of vintage trunks to be found on 1stDibs.
• What is an old steamer trunk? 1 Answer 1stDibs Expert March 22, 2022 An old steamer trunk is a type of luggage. Most often, it has a rectangle or domed shape. Its purpose was to carry clothing and other personal belongings while traveling. The name comes from the fact that most often, their owners traveled via steam ship. Shop a selection of antique steamer trunks on 1stDibs.
• Do people still travel with steamer trunks? 1 Answer 1stDibs Expert February 17, 2023 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. Shop a selection of antique and vintage steamer trunks on 1stDibs.

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Antique Wardrobe Trunk Value And Identification Guide

Wardrobe trunks surfaced as a necessity from the early days of the cold war! Today, these are presented to us in the form of antique valuables and are still in use.

Storage has always been a priority for everyone. Even in ancient times, hunters and craftsmen always carried around some form of storage utility in the form of bags or trunks.

These pieces of furniture happened to cater to a wide array of transportation and storage needs; henceforth, the widespread manufacture of wardrobe trunks became inevitable!

Brands that have gained a lot of popularity today were busy producing bulks of wardrobe trunks and chests; one such name amongst these brands is the infamous Louis Vuitton!

Antique wardrobe trunks are loved and cherished by many collectors today. For this reason, we have created a tailored and easy guide for you to assess the age and value of antique wardrobe trunks.

We will also go through a variety of brands that produced them and even identify different types of wardrobe trunks!

Table of Contents

A Brief History Of Wardrobe Trunks!

Even though their use is evident from the medieval era, wardrobe trunks made a solid debut in the 1870s during the glorious Victorian Era.

Now that overseas travel was made possible by railways and ships, there was a dire need for these wardrobe trunks.

Many people confuse trunks and chests; the two are also used as interchangeable terms.

However, a chest is considered more of a fixed cupboard and is deemed unfit for travel. Trunks on the other hand can be considered as modern day brief cases that can be easily displaced from one destination to another.

The evolution of a simple wardrobe trunk is quite interesting; what stated from a simple box equipped with a lock soon transitioned into one with intricate designs and patterns.

Some of them were even enveloped in leather or embossed with metal.

Today, we come across different variants of wardrobe trunks that have evident inspiration from the Victorian Era.

What Are The Different Types Of Wardrobe Trunks?

Below is a generic classification of the styles of wardrobe trunks that we came across.

1. Antique Wall Trunk

Wall trunks consume lesser space and provide a compact storage option. They could easily be placed tightly against a wall and its convenient hinge mechanism allowed the top to pop open without consuming any space.

These proved to be a good choice for small houses or apartments.

2. Antique Saratoga Trunk

Saratoga is in fact the name of an American soap directed back in the 1940s.

But that isn’t what this trunk is named after. It is actually named after a popular hang-out spot situated east of Saratoga Springs, next to Hudson Lake in New York!

These trunks were a choice for the rich and prosperous. They even incorporated a number of drawers!

With its luscious leather covering and delicate round top, it symbolized wealth and royalty back in the day.

Antique Saratoga trunks are sometimes also embellished with intricate patterns and beautified with accessories.

3. Antique Jenny Lind Trunk

This trunk is named after a popular Swedish Opera vocalist/singer. Jenny toured The States back in the mid-1850s.

Her fans noticed a peculiar trunk she was carrying with her at all times and since then that specific trunk style started being manufactured and sold worldwide.

The Jenny Lind Trunk had a unique style; its lateral view depicted a ‘figure of 8’ because its mid-section constricted whereas the upper and lower ends formed a diversion.

4.  Antique Steamer Trunk

This trunk was mostly used for traveling and was hence a common sight in steamer ships, and was thus named as a ‘steamer trunk’.

There are many design variations for this trunk but most of them are flat-topped and were designed to fit into small places.

This cuboid-shaped trunk was often taken to boarding schools or trips.

5. Antique Flat-Topped Trunks

As the name suggests, these trunks employed the use of a flat and stable top.

Flat-topped trunks were crafted in a variety of materials; from wood and leather to canvas and fabric!

6. Antique Dome-Topped Trunks

A few other names for this trunk are camel trunk, barrel trunk, or humpback trunk.

They had a significant bulge on the top surface and were hence deemed unfit for travel. Their primary purpose was storage.

Some of them even exist today and can be seen in the form of embossed tin.

7. Antique Slatted Trunks

This one represented the works of an artist!

Many of these were crafted in beautiful patterns and designs; slatted trunks even employed the use of thin wooden slats that made an intricate statement once placed side by side.

8. Antique Octagon/Bevel-Top Trunks

These terms were often used interchangeably. Such trunks can easily be identified due to their tell-tale feature: the octagonal shape.

With 8 corners on the sides, this large trunk was used for storage and sometimes travel.

9. Antique Full Dresser Trunks

Full dresser trunks came in with a mirror and set of drawers. They proved to be a very convenient piece of furniture back in the day.

Famous Brands That Produced Some Of The Best Wardrobe Trunks!

You would probably realize that a few names amongst the following list would ring a bell, because they have become so popular today!

Here’s the list:

Goyard is a French trunk and leather goods maker. Established in 1853 in Paris.

Hartmann Luggage is a manufacturer of luggage and leather goods established in 1877 [1] in Milwaukee, Wisconsin by trunkmaker Joseph S. Hartmann, a Bavarian.

Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuitton Malletier (French: [lwi vɥitɔ̃ maltje]), commonly known as Louis Vuitton or by its initials LV, is a French fashion house and luxury goods company founded in 1854 by Louis Vuitton.[1] The label’s LV monogram appears on most of its products, ranging from luxury trunks and leather goods to ready-to-wear, shoes, watches, jewelry, accessories, sunglasses and books.

The Oshkosh Trunk Company initially began producing trunks in 1898, in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.  Its signature line of luggage called the “Chief” was styled with beige duck cloth, with red and yellow stripes. The company also produced an advertising figure of an Indian brave on top of a trunk with the words “ Oshkosh ” engraved at the base. The city of Oshkosh was named after Chief Oshkosh, (1795–August 29, 1858) chief of the Menominee Tribe from 1827 until his death.

Mort Diamond was 24 years old when he opened Taylors Luggage in New Canaan over 60 years ago. Mr. and Mrs. Diamond moved to Stamford, where they opened a small luggage store in 1951 – Taylors Luggage. The name came from a man by the name of Taylor, who owned Taylor Trunk Company in Chicago and was a very dear friend of Mr. Joseph Diamond, and so Taylors Luggage was born.

Samsonite International S.A. (SEHK: 1910) is a luggage manufacturer and retailer, with products ranging from large suitcases to small toiletries bags and briefcases. The company was founded in Denver, Colorado, United States. Its registered office is in Luxembourg and it is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

How To Identify An Antique Wardrobe Trunk?

1. measure the dimensions.

Size matters more than one can anticipate and in this case, smaller trunks are actually more expensive! This is mostly because of their convenient size and portability.

In general, if your antique trunks measures less than 30 inches or so, then it might be more valuable than its counterparts.

2. Identify The Type Of Trunk

Flat-tops in general are more valuable than the other designs. This is mostly because their top can be used to place other items.

It is also to be noted that flat-tops date back to much earlier times than the other designs!

3. Identify Any Damages or Wear Effects

Extremely damaged or worn of wardrobe trunks would probably come very cheap.

But those found in good condition come off expensive since they can be used and displayed as valuable assets in the house.

4. Look For Patterns And Signs Of Craftsmenship

Fancy ornaments and intricate patterns demonstrate effort and signs of artistry; and art always comes with a price!

Such sort of trunks cost relatively more than the plain ones.

5. Consult An Antique Specialist

Collectors and antique specialists have a lot of insight and knowledge about such items.

Beware of scams and make sure to extract an opinion from an expert before you go on making a purchase.

6. Rarity of A Trunk

Limited edition pieces or trunks that are very hard to find these days have an automatic value upgrade in the market.

One such example would be of Louis Vuitton trunks that can range up to 20 thousand dollars!

Martin Maier’s trunks range from 500-3000 dollars due to their rarity.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. is it possible to refurbish antique trunks.

Absolutely! However, the process is quite tedious.

You would need scrappers, good quality sand paper, hard brushes, and steel wool. The process involves completely remodelling the antique trunk to wipe off any signs of damage and wear.

Refurbishing makes antique items usable.

2. How Much Does A Louis Vuitton Trunk Cost?

LV bags are sensational even till date.

And so were their wardrobe trunks back in the day. This was mostly because this company has a very high manufacturing cost.

Antique Louis Vuitton trunks range from 300 euros to a whooping 2000 euros!

3. Why Are Traveling Trunks Dome Shaped?

Dome or Bevel shaped trunks are designed so to reduce any chances of damage to the items inside.

Since they used to be placed in steamer ships on top of one another, it was likely for the items inside to get crushed or broken had it not been for the bevelled top.

Final Thoughts

We hope this article was helpful and relayed an ample amount of information for you to have a basic insight of wardrobe trunks.

In short, we went through basic designs of antique wardrobe trunks and how each of them stands unique due to their features and timeline.

We also summed up a quick identification or value guide for you to superficially assess the price of such antique items.

However, we would always expert consultations and meticulous research if you are serious about purchasing an antique wardrobe trunk.

If you found this helpful, make sure to share it with a friend or colleague who might find it useful as well!

Related posts:

• Antique Wardrobe: Identification & Value Guide
• Antique Steamer Trunk [History,Value And Identify Guide]
• Types Of Antique Trunk Locks and How to Identify Them
• 10 Tips For Restoring An Antique Trunk
• Antique Trunks: Identification and Value Guide
• Antique Sideboard & Buffet: Identification and Value Guide
• Antique Coffee Table: Identification and Value Guide

1 thought on “Antique Wardrobe Trunk Value And Identification Guide”

I have a tan colored trunk that appears to be leather that has the marking of N.Y.B.B.Co., painted in black on one end. Can you help me to identify? TY

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WARDROBE TRUNK CONVERSIONS

Since we began restoring antique trunks (and every other style of old trunk), we have always been proud of the work we've done on wardrobe trunks.  If you have had a look at the pages of this website, chances are you have seen examples of some of the restorations and conversions that we have performed on various large and small antique wardrobe trunks.  What differentiates a wardrobe trunk from any other trunk is that it will usually have drawers, hangers and other storage compartments not normally found in a typical "travel trunk".   It also is designed to 'stand up' rather than be laid down on the side, for obvious reasons.