Coated Canvas Exterior
Crouch & Fitzgerald - New York - Maker
Circa 1920
On Hold
6/23/10
Established 1839 in New York City, Crouch and Fitzgerald offered upscale leather goods and travel
items. They are regarded as the finest trunk maker in America during the era of their regular use
for travel. Wardrobe trunks from this maker, seldom come available.
This particular wardrobe trunk was offered from their Madison Ave. store in New York City. It
measures 41.5" Tall X 24.5"Long X 22" Deep standing up. Laid down such as for a coffee table, it
would be 41.5"L X 24.5"H X 22"W.
The exterior of this trunk is a coated canvas that has aged with wonderful character. It was not
painted with traditional paint but rather a thicker coating that has aged and crazed beautifully. I do
not know what the coating is but we are talking something nice from one of the best American
leather and faux leather workers of their era, good durable stuff. The exterior trim is in wonderful
condition and a darker brown in color. The entire exterior has been treated with a durable finish and
care would just involve wiping down with a little furniture polish as you would any furniture. For
coffee table use, moisture would not be a problem and it will wipe off just fine. All hardware is
original although the lock had been broken into and is non-functional. It does fit into the lock
receiver just fine and is not distracting at all. Would have changed it out but the lock on this trunk
swings to release the other side to open and to draw it the last inch or so to close. Just did not want
to risk losing that functionality. A metal C&F tag is on the outside and the rollers work great. Again, a
finish has been applied and it will just wipe down.
The interior is original although cleaned up and lightly coated. The primary colors are brown, such
as the drawer facings and background, khaki being the hamper bag, and darker greenish being the
cushion top and velvet inside top drawer. On the cushion top is another C&F label in perfect
condition. Some normal wear to the inside such as a little chipping to the brown covering on the
very bottom and a tear to the bottom corner of the hamper bag but overall in very good condition.
The drawers are of wood construction and all operate as a normal drawer would. The drawer
facings are recessed from the drawer edges for a nice look. There are 8 original wood hangers, 4 for
trousers and 4 for shirts/jackets. When open, it will sit flush against the wall and would look
wonderful under an old train or steamship print.
A very nice piece in mostly original condition from a top maker. Its character is difficult to fully
appreciate in photo's but the coloring is very good and the crazing is very neat to see. Should
display very natural and with quality once it is set in place. A rare wardrobe trunk from a fine trunk
and luggage maker. No bad surprises.
