Antique Trunk Styles
Antique Trunk History and Styles
Including: Antique Steamer Trunks, Antique Wall Trunks, Wardrobe Trunks, Dresser Trunks, Antique Doll Trunks, Automobile Trunks,
and the Saratoga Trunks.
Other styles are included on the previous page.
In dating the various styles, it should be noted that many changes occurred within a relatively short time after about 1850. There were
several transitional periods where elements of one style could be found on examples of another, primarily dealing with the buttons and
wood slats. Also, examples of a particular style do exist outside the ranges given. Sometime dating these particular trunks requires some
experience and there are even producers of trunks today although we see no effort to hide that fact. With 1000's of trunk makers worldwide
during the 1800's through early 1900's, some locations were ahead of others and there was an era of remakes in the first quarter of the
1900's which are themselves approaching antique. The ranges given should provide general insight as to the initial popular era of the style.
Steamer Trunks
1870-1920
While some refer to all antique trunks as steamer trunks  (of which I am sometimes guilty to better bring a visual image the era of trunks) I
believe the correct form of trunk for this name is much like the flat top trunk, only shorter to fit under the beds or seating in the berthing
areas of steam ships and steam locomotives of the era. Some refer to them as cabin trunks for this reason and also because ship labels
existed that read "Cabin - Hold" and people could check to have the trunk sent to their cabin or to the main storage hold. As space was an
issue, this size often was the one sent to the cabin. Most are around 12"- 13" high and were either canvas or metal covered. Most examples
of the metal covered are more towards the 1900's and later
Wall Trunks
1890-1915
Although their are variations over time and manufacturer, each is made with either special hinges or hinge placement allowing the trunk to
be opened near flush against the wall. Some of the manufacturers include Druguid, Clinton, Miller and M.M. Secor although there were a
few others. This style was and remains quite popular.
Wardrobe Trunks
1890-1940
Basically a traveling chest of drawers. Most have to be stood up on one end and then it opens in half although many variations exist. If they
could conceive a design, they tried it.  Once opened, there is usually drawers on one side and a place to hang clothes on the other. Some
came with detachable brief or make-up cases, ironing boards, mirrors, shoe holders, tie downs, about everything short of the kitchen sink.
They are normally quite large and very heavy although some smaller variations exist which lean more toward the steamer trunk size. If you
do not recognize the outer covering as cloth canvas, we strongly recommend you do not attempt to remove it. Especially the coverings that
feel sort of rubbery and often black.  It is a miserable failure in life you do not want.
Dresser Trunks
1900-1910
Sometimes referred to as Theater Trunks (not sure why) or Pyramidal Trunks due to their shape. While they basically look like a slatted flat
top trunk, the lock is found on the front towards the bottom and the hinges are on the top rather than the back. Most likely influenced by the
wall trunks as well as the wardrobe trunks, they are characterized by a lid that opens up almost the entire front half of the trunk revealing
large drawers for storage. The lids stand straight up, some in excess of 54". You can find mirrors on the inside of many and most
examples are fairly large in size although I have run across a small child sized one
Doll Trunks
1850 - Present
Most examples recognized as doll trunks we see today are after 1850 although they predate that time. Just about every design of the larger
trunks were replicated in the smaller doll trunks. As such, the name does not so much describe a unique construction style but rather a
size. Most are around 12" - 18" long. Early examples of certain styles in exceptional original condition are prized, as they should be.
Automobile Trunk
1910 - 1950
One would perhaps have to call this style of trunk a success.  The development of Henry Fords Model T would ultimately have a profound
effect on the evolution of the trunk. The early automobiles and even later small sport or touring vehicles were not made with any significant
storage space outside the vehicles seating area and instead equipped with a rack or slot for which a trunk could be secured. To
accommodate, a new style emerged built to fit on or in these areas. Some were built specifically for a particular vehicle while others
became more generic and were equipped with numerous snaps and straps so they could be secured in various configurations depending
on the vehicle. The styles and intended purposes of these automobile trunks varied from essentially those built as a form of luggage to
hold personal items to others meant to store tools which were often needed for roadside emergencies. Their forms differ greatly and
incorporate both old and new designs.
The Saratoga Trunk
1860's-1880's
The great antique trunk debate!  The name comes from Saratoge Springs, NY where the extremely wealthy would travel to enjoy the hot
springs, gambling, horse racing, and stay at the Grand Union Hotel, which when built in 1870, was the largest, most lavish hotel in the
world  As travel was by coach and the trunks visible to others during check in, the wealthy travelers wanted to make an impressive entrance
to the hotel or during a day at the race track as a show of status. Each year, they commissioned the building or purchased more elaborate
trunks to outdo those of previous years, a contest if you will.

Over time, some of these trunks grew into huge (29"+ height), leather covered trunks with heavy duty hardware and complex compartment
and trays inside. This would be the opinion of some as to what makes a Saratoga Trunk.  The trunk need not have been to Saratoga
Springs, just reflective of the style and quality.

Others refer to all Jenny Lind trunks as being Saratoga trunks, regardless of quality.

My opinion is that the term Saratoga Trunk is not a particular construction style, but rather a level of quality among the American made trunks
denoting the finest examples of a particular style within a specific year during this era.  Any style as it were, a skilled craftsman's most
elaborate work.  Some would debate and this is just my opinion.

Most of the large, hardware laden ones we see and identify as a Saratoga are from around the mid 1880's. If the scale of these trunks grew
through the years, what were the early ones? The Saratoga Race Track opened in 1863 and huge gambling casino's and the Grand Union
Hotel already a reality by 1870. My guess is that the original Saratoga Trunks were characterized by highly detailed leather work, nailings, or
even best quality metal covering regardless of size and shape. The hardware available in the mid 1880's simply was not reality for most of
the 1870's. However, some of the earlier hand leather work was amazing and very labor intensive.

The 1890's saw many of the extremely wealthy turn to the European makers such as Goyard, Vuitton, and Moynat. Without the patronage of
the wealthy, the cost and impractical nature of the now huge Saratoga trunks quickly led to their end. As are result, they are now quite rare to
find.

Rather than show an example or two, above are some things one may find on a Saratoga quality trunk during this time period. If you believe
you have something special worthy of this designation, I'd love to see it and perhaps include a picture above to share with others.
I'll include your name if you wish so you can boast proudly as is the tradition with these trunks. Your assistance is appreciated.
Resources


Antique Trunks and Antique Chests