How do you identify a steamer trunk?

Travel (Steamer) Trunk

Unlike other trunks, antique steamer trunks were made to stand on their sides on a flat surface. This means they would stand upright, and users would open the trunks outwards. Inside these antique steamer trunks, you would find several drawers, compartments, or a tray inside.

How do you pick a steamer trunk lock?

Opening Warded Locks – To pick open a warded lock, go around the warding and go straight to the locking mechanism. There are special warded lock picks (they come in a few profiles), and between them, they will open any lock.

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.

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.

How do I know if my trunk is antique?

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.

Why do old steamer trunks have curved tops?

This trunk was commonly called a camel back, dome top or steamer trunk. The top on this trunk curves both directions. This design was first made in the early 1800’s in Europe. The top was designed to prevent other luggage from being stacked atop them when used in traveling by ship to America.

What is my steamer trunk 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.

What are the dimensions of a steamer trunk?

Approximate external dimensions 36″ x 20″ x 14″. 159 litres capacity. 9kg in weight. This Steamer size trunk is the most popular size of trunk used at boarding school.

Do people still use steamer trunks?

Many people continue to use steamer trunks for travel and shipping today, and some people also keep a steamer trunk around the house for use as a storage chest.

Are steamer trunks heavy?

Some steamer trunks could weigh up to 100 pounds alone! They were often covered with animal hide, plain or decorative tin, paper, canvas, and held together with a variety of hardware or wood slats.

How do you clean an old steamer trunk?

Mix up a 1/2 cup of Murphy’s Oil Soap in a bucket of warm water. Dip a sponge in the solution and wring it out until it’s damp, not sloppy wet. Wipe the inside of the old steamer trunk out until it’s clean. Rinse and wring the sponge out as needed.

How do you remove rivets from an old trunk?

Lubricate your drill bit and drill a hole through the rivet.

Take a drill bit the size of the divot made by the punch to drill a pilot hole that will guide your larger bit. Drill the smaller bit all the way through the rivet. Drill at a steady speed and maintain pressure against the drill to pierce through the rivet.

How do you refurbish an antique trunk?

How do you clean an old wooden trunk?

Wash wooden antique trunks and leather handles or decorations with a mixture of warm water and three capfuls of saddle soap in a bucket. If the interior of the trunk is lined with paper or has any paper decorations, avoid cleaning those areas with the saddle soap solution.

What are the different types of rivets?

The general types of rivets are solid, blind, tubular, and metal piercing (including split rivets).

What is a blind rivet?

Pop rivets, also known as blind rivets, are a type of rivet. They are used in applications where there is limited – or no – access to the rear side (blind side) of the parts to be joined.

What is a rivet punch?

Solid Punch Rivetting

The punch is pushing the rivet through the sheet metal layers, until the rivet is flush with the surface of the punch-side of the part. During the subsequent reprints, the punch and stripper presses the materials onto the embossing ring of the die.