Solid Brass Hardware
Circa 1925
SOLD
A wonderful flat top trunk from one of the premier American trunk makers in history. Established in
1839, Crouch & Fitzgerald operated out of New York City and was highly regarded as a quality
producer of trunks, travel accessories, and various leather goods.
This particular trunk is a true flat top which measures 27.5"L X 18.25"H X 18.5"W and would be
perfect for an accent piece or to use as a side table with the benefit of offering storage space. C&F
was a premier worker of leather but their imitation offerings were very high quality as well and that is
what we have here. It is a thin canvas coated with a substance that produced a quality leather look
but is much more durable. The trim on this trunk is true leather but only in fair condition so has been
placed under a protective coating. There is cracking and missing "chunks" but everything is in
character with this trunks age and not distracting. The slat clamps are solid brass and there are
brass buttons of various sizes here and there. The hardware, such as the latches and handle
holders, are heavy cast and marked with the makers initials. The lock is engraved with the full
makers name but unfortunately is not functional. It does sit in the receiver perfectly. The bottom
looks exactly like the top if not better and it opens and shuts perfectly with a quality feel and sound
about it that you just have to feel in person.
The inside is the original interior which is perfect and a great C&F label is on the interior lid. The tray
(it probably had two) is missing but the cloth straps with makers name and "NY" are present in the
trunks bottom. The actual interior color is more like the photo with the straps. I believe the flash
went off on the other two inside shots and it really is not that light in person. Good stuff, sort of like
a vinyl and wipes out easily.
