The average American made antique trunk is worth about $100 to $300 depending on the style, size and condition. If fully restored prices can be anywhere from $400 to $1300.
How much do antique chests sell for?
Furthermore, how much is an old cedar chest worth? Online auction sites, antique shops and secondhand stores often sell Lane cedar chests — based on their age, condition or rarity — starting at $99 and as high as $700 or more for older chests. But most chests, on average, are valued between $200 and $400.
How do I know if my old trunk is valuable?
Measure the size of your antique trunk.
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.
How do you date antique trunks?
1) To be considered antique, trunks must be at least 100 years and cannot have been restored. This greatly affects their value and should definitely be taken into consideration when you’re looking to start or expand your collection.
What can I do with my old chest?
A vintage trunk can be also turned into a home bar, just renovate or decorate it as you need and then put on some legs of your choice, or put several trunks on each other. Voila! you can use the top or open the chest and place bottles and glasses inside.
Are steamer trunks valuable?
These are the two most important factors in determining the value of your antique steamer trunk. Louis Vuitton trunks will sell for between $3000 and $20,000 while an unmarked steamer trunk will only sell for between $75 and $100. Martin Maier and Goyard steamer trunks may sell for between $500 and $3000.
What are old steamer trunks made of?
They were usually made of pine and covered in decorative material or leather. Some of the more recognizable styles of trunks include the Jenny Lind, Saratoga, steamer, barrel-top (also known as “Camelback Trunks”), and full dresser trunks.
Why do they call them steamer trunks?
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.
What does a steamer trunk look like?
A steamer trunk is a square or domed shaped storage box used for packing clothing and other personal belongings for travel. The box got coined with the name steamer trunk thanks to its use aboard steam powered ships.
What is a Jenny Lind trunk?
Jenny Lind trunks were usually very decorative, with brass locks, usually leather covered, with several iron or brass bands around the trunk, fastened with large brass studs, and they curved in at the center, elaborate interiors with paper lining and trimmings.
How do you date a wooden box?
Look carefully at the bottom, sides, and back of the drawer; if the wood shows nicks or cuts, it was probably cut with a plane, a spokeshave, or a drawknife. Straight saw marks also indicate an old piece. If the wood shows circular or arc-shaped marks, it was cut by a circular saw, not in use until about 1860.
What can you do with a steamer trunk?
Protect the top of a leather or very old wooden trunk with a sheet of glass or a metal tray to avoid water rings and provide stability to glassware or decorative objects. The generous space inside of a coffee table-sized steamer trunk works to store clothes or bedding and pillows for occasional couch surfers.
Where do you put trunks?
It doesn’t have to be repurposed as a bedside table, coffee table, nightstand or anything else. Just use it as a place to display a few decorations and place on the hallway or somewhere where everyone can see it and admire it. What is this? Even a smaller, square-shaped trunk can be used as a coffee table.
