Refinished For Our Friend Michelle
Feb. 07
Dome Top Trunk Dating To 1878
Manufactured By The Eagle Trunk Company
A very nice dome top trunk which we received in a rusty state with wood that was highly neglected to the
point of decaying and aged gray like old barn wood.   Michelle asked that it be refinished but wanted some
of the rustic character to be retained, a tray built, and the interior lined in cloth.
The rust was removed from the metal and it shined to varying degrees to provide some contrast as there is metal decor over a
herringbone design metal trim. The wood was sanded smooth but not so much as to remove all of the variations in color. A new
oak bottom was also installed and sealed.  At this point I applied about 5 coats of a quality wood oil and stain mix which it sucked
up like there was no tomorrow.
Once the oil cured in about 3 days, several light coats of finish were sprayed over the entire trunk just until it had a
light sheen and was sealed. When you rub your hand over the trunk it is smooth as silk and you can still feel the
warmth and texture of the wood.  The outside bottom was completed with a rust resistant aged bronze paint.
Leather handles were then applied and an antique style padlock with two keys reworked to fit the basic look of the
trunk. That pretty much gave us the final look on the outside.
For the inside, a tray was constructed using pine for the sides and an oak ply for the bottom.  The cloth is just  basic green
and black which I think goes well with the strong nature of the trunk and are a couple of colors that Michelle gave us to
work from.  Everything was then covered except the dome top which was left exposed finished wood much like the outside.
As a finishing touch, I added two brass antique pulls in the design of eagles to the tray to make it easy to lift out.
I appreciate the opportunity that Michelle presented to me. She was very trusting and allowed  much  freedom in the process. We
understand that it is some additional work and expense in getting a trunk packaged and shipped to us and we make every effort
to ensure our customers are rewarded with an exceptional antique trunk.   I very much enjoyed restoring this beautiful piece and
hopefully we've created a nice family heirloom to be enjoyed now and for generations to come.
Antique Trunk Restoration
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