MY EARLY RESTORATIONS

A 1920's era flat top that I found in a quiet little river town in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.

I restored this trunk for my daughter.  The white leather strapping was a chore to clean, but it was worth the labor of love.

I was happy with the results of my interior restoration, although I had to reproduce the Meredith Label as the original got destroyed due to my lack of knowledge regarding it's value to the trunk.  I was only able to reproduce the label because of the "before" pictures I had taken. 

This cute little flat top trunk was my second attempt at trunk repair/restoration.  I did this one for my son.  That middle slat was damaged, but I was able to get it mended.

This trunk was a joy to do.  I put new leather straps on it and painted it blue, the old original color was pretty drab!

It was a challenge to match the stripes, but I liked the look when it was done.  It was used to store my son's junior karate memorabilia.  

Here is how she looked when I brought her home in 1992.  She sat for years until I finally had the time to help her.  I have not done anything with the interior.  It still has the tray and most of the paper covering.

The doll trunk had the original Trunk Lock made by Worcester Metal Goods Company ca 1915 - 1917.  I was able to locate a key that works with the lock.

This doll trunk was more of a "preservation project" than a restoration.  This pic of the bottom shows the years of use and the original worn feet.

I was called and someone who bought out a storage unit wanted to know about this trunk.  I was able to identify it as a Louis Vuitton and possibly worth some money, but they were  only interested in a quick sale, so she is mine!

I am not a fan of the Louis Vuitton trunks, but as an avid antique trunk lover, I am happy to have the trunk.  It is pretty much complete and covered in remnants of it's travels.  When I have time I would like to try to identify the original owner.. initials "FBA" who spent some time in San Francisco at a residential hotel (circa early 1800's perhaps)

I did not do any more than just clean the outside of the trunk. As this picture shows the dirt on the top with only two sections cleaned.  The interior is pretty much complete with two trays, maker's label and lid lining w/purple striped paper on the trays in trunk bottom all somewhat worn for this old Parisian trunk.