Antique Trunks: Steamer Trunks, Travel Chests & Vintage Luggage
Antique trunks are the sturdy, often beautifully constructed travel containers produced from the early 19th century through the 1930s, designed to withstand the rigors of stagecoach, steamship, and rail travel. From flat-top steamer trunks and dome-top Saratoga trunks to elaborate wardrobe trunks by Louis Vuitton, these pieces of travel history combine functional engineering with decorative craftsmanship and remain popular with both collectors and decorators.
History & Major Makers
Trunk manufacturing became a significant American industry by the 1860s, centered in cities including Newark, NJ, and Racine, WI. Major makers include:
- Louis Vuitton (Paris, 1854): The premier luxury trunk maker; monogram canvas introduced 1896
- Goyard (Paris, 1853): Distinctive chevron-patterned trunks
- Moynat (Paris, 1849): Fine French trunk maker
- Hartmann (Racine, WI, 1877): Quality American manufacturer
- Oshkosh Trunk Co. (Oshkosh, WI, 1885): Known for vulcanized fibre trunks
- Crouch & Fitzgerald (New York, 1839): High-end American retailer and maker
- Innovation Trunk Co. (Various): Wardrobe trunk specialists
Types & Styles
- Flat-Top/Steamer Trunks: Designed to fit under steamship berths; the most common type
- Dome-Top (Saratoga) Trunks: Rounded lids, popular mid-19th century
- Wardrobe Trunks: Vertical opening with hanging space, drawers, and compartments
- Hat Trunks: Cylindrical or square boxes for transporting hats
- Jenny Lind Trunks: Hourglass-shaped with heavy leather strapping, 1850s-1870s
- Campaign/Military Trunks: Officer's trunks with brass hardware and canvas covering
Auction Price Ranges
| Item | Era | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Louis Vuitton monogram steamer trunk | 1900s-1930s | $3,000 - $20,000+ |
| Louis Vuitton wardrobe trunk | 1910s-1930s | $5,000 - $30,000+ |
| Goyard canvas trunk | 1900s-1930s | $2,000 - $12,000 |
| Quality American flat-top trunk | 1880s-1910s | $100 - $400 |
| Dome-top Saratoga trunk | 1860s-1880s | $150 - $600 |
| American wardrobe trunk | 1910s-1930s | $75 - $350 |
| Jenny Lind leather trunk | 1850s-1870s | $200 - $800 |
| Military/campaign trunk | 19th c. | $150 - $600 |
Condition Factors
- Structural integrity: Sound wood, intact joints, and working hinges are essential
- Hardware: Original locks, latches, handles, and corner protectors add significant value
- Covering: Original leather, canvas, or paper covering in good condition is desirable
- Interior: Original linings, trays, compartments, and labels increase value substantially
- Labels and markings: Maker labels, shipping labels, and stenciled names add provenance
- Odor: Musty, mildew, or mothball smells are common and difficult to eliminate; this affects value
Collecting Tips
- Louis Vuitton dominates the high end of the market; authentication is critical given widespread fakes
- Original interior fittings and maker labels significantly increase value over stripped-out shells
- Stacking steamer trunks remains a popular decorating trend, supporting base-level demand
- Wardrobe trunks with complete interiors are the most complex and impressive surviving forms
- Early leather-covered dome-tops from before 1880 have strong folk-art appeal
- Canvas-covered trunks in unusual colors or patterns bring premiums over standard examples
- Check for hidden compartments, which some higher-end trunks included