Leather Interior
Owned By Daughter Of Washington State Governor
Circa 1890's
SOLD
Neither of the two trunks pictured directly below are for sale here. These two particular trunks
belonged to General George Armstrong Custer and First Lady Cleveland respectively. While not for
sale, they help lend some insight into the customer who would have purchased such a trunk when
new.
Her Honeymoon Trunk
Maker - Hartmann
Maker - Unknown - Possible Same As
Trunk Offered Below
daughter of Marion Hay, the 7th Governor of Washington during the early 1900's. Most likely the
trunk was in residence at the Governors Mansion.
The condition of this trunks leather is remarkable. Most did not fair so well due to neglect or poor
storage conditions. The original leather straps and handles do show their age somewhat but the
trunks leather, inside and out, is about as good as it gets, museum quality in my opinion. Most
trunks of this type are a single layer of leather, this one is slightly different. The bottom portion of
the trunks interior consists of a second layer of leather except it is the short suede side which as
been inked with designs. So the thick leather that you see on the outside, is in the inside bottom as
well simply reversed. At the seams, there are three layers of leather stitched together rather than
two. The interior top appears very much to be a thin red leather although good copies do exist.
Given the quality of the rest of the trunk, I'm guessing the chances are pretty good. Either way, it is
very nice. It appears there never were any trays or other compartments.
This trunk without its cover, measures 36"L X 26"H X 20"W which is huge for this style and
something that is best appreciated in person. I am 6ft tall and the height is to the middle of my thigh.
Empty with its cover, it weighs in around 77lbs. The hardware is brass and the lock is swirled brass
and made by Eagle Lock Company.
The only issues worth noting is that the bottom wheels and wood slats they were riveted too
experienced some damage. Rather than take a cutting wheel anywhere around this trunk to remove
a bunch of large copper rivets, I simply left what remained of the original wheels intact and mounted
a set of circa 1870's wheels on the slats which are a touch taller than the originals taking them out of
play. Not a perfect repair but that was my decision rather than remove the approx 30 rivets involved
with the slats and wheels. It sits fine and you cannot tell anything was done unless you flip it over. A
repair was made to one side of the leather handle holders and a repair was made to one of the
leather straps that encircle the trunk. Other than that, nothing was done other then leather
preservation.
It is rare to find such a trunk with its original cover. The cover is present here and constructed of a
very heavyweight canvas trimmed in leather with leather corners. The cover was cleaned fairly
gently but does have some stains and discolorations and some of the leather straps on the cover
are not in the greatest of shape but still pretty strong. Stenciled on the side of the cover is the
original owners name, Neva M. Hay, Olympia, Wash., and U.S.A. On the other side is a circa 1905
American Express Co. shipping label from their offices in Italy so this trunk has done some
traveling. Yes, the financial company American Express started humbly enough as currier or
delivery company around 1850.
Back to the trunk cover. I have yet to really address this cover wanting to offer it in original
condition. It will clean up more and would be an item for further discussion. It shows pretty well now
and I am guessing could be made quite striking with additional effort. The side piping is leather that
could be dyed as an example. Anyway, we have a clean slate to work with and I have a few ideas for
something nice.
The antique trunk below is offered for sale here. Please keep in mind it is of good size.
