"The Mendel Trunx"
Mendel - Cincinnati - Maker
Circa 1930
$645
Includes Shipping
A nice wardrobe trunk from around 1930 or so. This trunk was made by the Mendel Trunk Company
out of Cincinnati and they were known as a quality maker having been partnered with another
known maker forming Mendel Drucker. This is the fairly well know "Mendel Trunx" which held its
own against similar trunks from makers such as Hartmann and Oshkosh among others. I personally
like its overall feel and ease of use.
This trunk measures 22"L X 42"H X 22"W when standing up or 42"L X 22"H X 22"W when laying
down such as for a coffee table and this is an inch or so sleeker than most wardrobe trunks. It's
condition is very, very good and it offers just a bit of the rustic look on the outside while the inside is
as clean as they come. On the outside, the hardware still retains its brass plating with good
character from normal wear. The canvas covering is entirely intact and in excellent condition with
original paint that was originally finished with a clear coating and a "freshen up" finish has been
applied. The trim is a grayish color which is original as well. A new leather handle has been installed
as was original and really no issues to the outside or how it operates (latches, open close, etc). It is
all smooth to the touch.
The inside is super clean and comes with its original 8 wooden hangers of birch wood. On the
bottom under the hangers is a covered shoe compartment with tie downs. The snaps of the cover
are intact and work perfectly. This area replaces the shoe case found in some of wardrobe trunks,
this one never had one. The interior is in excellent condition with the primary color being a tan
patterned vinyl such as on the drawer facings and back wall behind the hangers and a nice
patterned cloth that hides the hanging clothes. The drawer interiors are in excellent shape
The lock is an Excelsior Lock which is really quite nice and also stamped with the Mendel Trunx
name. I do not have the key for this one and that is a slight issue for this style lock which is made to
engage without a key. That tends to be a problem when you go to open it. I have made it so this lock
will not quite go into the receiver all the way to engage and did so in a manner that did not harm the
lock should a key be found. The lock is marked as to maker as well as to key number so it is
possible to match a key to the lock with a little luck and some time. There are online sellers of
antique keys that may have what you need, and if not, some have a "request form" which you can
fill out and if the key rolls in 6 months down the road, they will let you know.
I strolled by it a couple days after completion. I see plenty of antique trunks and this one really does
have a good strong and quality look about it.
