How do you identify a steamer trunk?
Looking at it from the side, it resembles an “8” (or a loaf of bread) because it curves inward in the middle, where it latches. Travel/Steamer Trunks: Mostly flat tops, these trunks were made and designed for traveling purposes and being places in snug spaces.
What was a steamer trunk used for?
Steamer trunks, also known as cabin trunks or traveling trunks, were originally used as luggage for extended trips by steamship, train, or stagecoach or for taking to boarding school. Many were quite elaborate inside and out. Steamer trunks have a distinguishing curved or barrel top and can weigh as much as 100 pounds.
Why is it called a steamer trunk?
Cabin trunks, which are sometimes called “true” steamer trunks, were the equivalent of today’s carry-on luggage. They were low-profiled and small enough to fit under the berths of trains or in the cabin of a steamer, hence their name.
How do you unlock an antique without a skeleton key?
How to Unlock an Antique Without a Skeleton Key
- Skeleton Keys and How to Find Them.
- Problems With Old Locks.
- Consult a Locksmith or Experienced Antique Dealer.
- Using Paper Clips and Coat Hangers.
- Picking the Lock.
How do I know if my trunk is valuable?
If the your trunk is 30 inches (76.2 cm) or under then your trunk will be worth more. The reason is that smaller trunks fit easier in peoples homes than larger trunks. Try to determine what time period it comes from.
What are old steamer trunks worth?
While a luxury antique Lois Vuitton steamer trunk may not go for less than $20 000, there are normal household vintage types you can get on Amazon for less than $100. To further reveal the value of antique trunk boxes, you can watch this YouTube video on “5 secrets on Antique Trunks & Boxes”.
Do old steamer trunks have any value?
While a luxury antique Lois Vuitton steamer trunk may not go for less than $20 000, there are normal household vintage types you can get on Amazon for less than $100.
How do you know if you have a skeleton key?
As long as there is a bow, a narrow shank or shaft, and a flat extension on one side near the bottom of the shaft, a key is often considered a skeleton key.
Can you pick a trunk lock?
I’m sorry to hear you locked your keys in the trunk, but there is no good way to pick a car trunk lock without damaging the vehicle. Instead, you should call a locksmith or unlock a different door to access the trunk. If you don’t mind the damage or replacing a lock, you can use a screwdriver to pry the lock open.
How do you open a trunk with a screwdriver?
“To open the trunk with a screwdriver, wedge it into the lock and move it left and right until the trunk opens. However, this is not recommended. Opening the trunk of your car with a screwdriver could damage the paint, and fixing paint can cost hundreds of dollars. In addition, you run the risk of breaking the lock.
Why did old trunks have rounded tops?
The curved top not only offered a little more storage space, it meant that when traveling it had to be placed on the top of the stack, and not the bottom, thereby reducing the likelihood of damage. What’s it Worth? Whether flat-top or dome-top, many people love their trunks.
What does Gibraltarized mean?
It’s enormous, weighs about as much as a baby grand piano, and is sturdy, framed in steel (the company called this construction “Gibraltarized”, meaning “requires at least two strapping porters to move it and that’s before you even load it with your clothes and jewelry”).
Are old trunks worth money?
Once you refinish it the value can range from $250 up to a high end of about $750. Little details determine where in that range the price will fall. If you paint anything on the trunk black or gold (metal banding, corners, etc) the trunk’s value will fall in the low end of the range.
Why do steamer trunks have curved tops?
The curved top not only offered a little more storage space, it meant that when traveling it had to be placed on the top of the stack, and not the bottom, thereby reducing the likelihood of damage.
How do I know what type of skeleton key I need?
First look at your lock to determine whether or not it has a pin showing in the keyhole. If so, measure the pin diameter. If your lock does not have a pin showing, select one of our solid shank keys with a bit size closest to the size of your keyhole.
What are the different types of trunk locks?
The three most common locks for the antique trunks were designed to accommodate barrel keys, flat keys and corrugated keys. The modem foot lockers have simplified versions of the old trunk locks as those presently manufactured by the Ohio Travel Bag Company.
What kind of Keys do you need for an antique trunk?
Keys for these trunks are difficult to make and difficult to find. The three most common locks for the antique trunks were designed to accommodate barrel keys, flat keys and corrugated keys. The modem foot lockers have simplified versions of the old trunk locks as those presently manufactured by the Ohio Travel Bag Company.
When were trunk Lockers made?
Locks for the so called early steamer trunks were first made by hand before 1833. In or around 1836, trunk locks were made by machine and continued to be manufactured as such until the late1920s with some simple modifications for the present day foot lockers.
How do you identify old trunk locks?
Old trunk locks are identified by the patent dates and the manufacturer’s names and numbers imprinted on the locks. Locks can be helpful in identifying the trunk manufacturer and age of the trunk. The mechanism of locks on later trunks became more complex. Keys for these trunks are difficult to make and difficult to find.