Canvas Exterior - Solid Brass Hardware
Circa 1930's-1940's - Europe
SOLD
A very nice wardrobe trunk from the 30's or 40's era. It measures 42.25" Tall X 20" Long X 22.5"
Deep standing up or 42.25"L X 20"H X 22.5"W when displayed laying down which is coffee table
size. It retains it original canvas and is neatly painted close to its original color. Most prominent
about this trunk is the abundance of solid brass hardware. There are two locks present however no
key is available. Still, these locks do latch and release by pushing the raised area surrounding the
keyhole to the side pretty much like a suitcase lock and they flip open. If you did not know this, a
person would probably think it was locked as it is not obvious. There are three leather handles in
the European style and then two more on the front used to open the trunk (5 total). The holders for
the two on the front were an odd size and we had to improvise with a couple of arrow shaped
leather handles which were cut to fit. The bottom is canvas covered as well and reflects the look of
the rest of the trunk except there are 6 brass and steel rollers. Sort of like brass cups with steel balls
stick about half way out. The wheels are not distracting if viewed laying down and actually pretty
nice. Fairly nice trim typical of the era which is secured by tightly spaced tiny nails. No real issues
on the outside other than about two inches of trim that was repaired on the bottom.
The interior is mostly original other than a couple pieces of replacement fabric that were necessary
for the bottom back walls and the bottom of the lower drawer. We used some stretch suede and
although not an exact match, it looks nice. The original fabric has faded some and most things
available were either too light or too dark, I went with the dark. With the drawers in and the laundry
bag in place, you cannot tell. The drawer side is held secure by two nickel plated locks that are
spring loaded. Releasing these allows the attached metal strips to swing open and the drawers
accessed. They work just fine. The top drawer has a couple removable dividers and several of the
other drawers are equipped with some pretty nifty straps. The hanging side has a nice laundry bag
mounted like a shower curtain to push left or right and is removable and the nickel plated bar pulls
forward to insert or remove the hangers. There were no hangers when found but I have included 10
black felt wrapped hangers which look nice and work perfectly. There are a couple of straps to
secure your hanging clothes, a couple of leather straps for your umbrella, and a rack to secure your
briefcase.
Not far at all behind the finest of trunks made, it displays nicely or it would do just fine if you wished
to travel with it. Even with all the brass, it is a lighter weight wardrobe trunk when compared to its
American counterparts and its size is more sleek. Wanting it to get back to its natural aging, I have
left the brass uncoated and it will tarnish over time.
not so in person. I was able to get about 95% of the
old paint off so the grain of the canvas is visible rather
than un-textured paint. A clear coat was then applied.
