Crouch & Fitzgerald - Maker
Leather Over Wood - Brass Hardware - Original Interior - Trays
Circa 1887
SOLD
Established in 1839, Crouch & Fitzgerald is known as a dealer of the finest order in leather goods
and other travel items. Like most makers, there are various levels of trunks produced over time. I
would expect that this particular one was custom made to order and sold from one of their
showrooms such as on Broadway in New York City. From the base wood, to the leather covering,
trim, and handles, to the thick brass hardware, it is quite good. Some nice details that are better
noticed in person are the tightly spaced nails, brass capped nails holding the hardware and wood
slats, and particularly large brass fasteners securing the metal banding around the lid. The primary
colors are black with burgundy trim which the leather assumed without the use of dyes or paints.
On the front (top and bottom) and back (top) is scalloped metal in a very pretty brown color that is
original and was retained naturally aged. The brass makers label is on the top, the heavy cast
latches stamped "C&F", and the lock bares the name as well.
This antique trunk measures 30"L X 21"H X 22"W and very striking in person.
lighted misted a thin finish over the entire interior and then cleaned again to make fresh smelling. It
will wipe down should that be a concern. There is some normal wear such as around the tray edges
from normal use but nothing overly distracting and I believe best retained in the long run. The wood
underneath is quite pretty but perhaps we will leave that for another generation or two from now. On
the inside of the lid is a nice folder compartment for documents or a book or two and the original
makers label underneath. The folder has a few scuffs but still nice. The original divided tray is
present as well as its second tray underneath. Some like the trays for holding collectibles and
various things while others just prefer the larger space. Your options are open here, now and in the
future, as they are easily removed and stowed away. One was recently sold to a Mom for one of her
children to begin collecting dishes and various things in to give her when she is older. She liked
what she received and quickly become a repeat customer. In the bottom section inside, there are
some slots where dividers could be inserted or removed. The dividers themselves are not present. I
would have simply removed the slots but they are riveted with the brass posts visible from the
outside. That could have been overcome but not sure if there was material behind them. So they
remain but are out of the way and the dividers pretty easy to make if you wish them. A couple
original woven cloth tie downs are attached to the inside bottom and shown below.
the top with the brass wrapping even there. Wheels are handled by the original 4 pieces of
hardware, each with two wheels, normally. A pin had pulled out enough that one of the wheels went
missing, the other remains. So seven wheels are present and it sits and rolls perfectly. The pin was
repaired.