Object Description
A Rare Late 19th Century American Camphor Wood Military Campaign Trunk, Of Good Large Proportions, With McLaren Printed To Well Figured Hinged Top, Enclosing Storage Cavity, Having Original Brass Bound Decoration, Original Carrying Handles, Original Catches And Original Lock Stamped By “Eagle Lock Co, Terryville, USA”.
Its widely accepted that trunks like this were normally purposed for army use, often given into the ownership of high ranking officers to use for their travels around the various battlegrounds and territories of the empire around the world, hence the carrying handles and the brass banded decoration, which also serves the functional purpose of protecting the item from bumps and bashes during the numerous times it would have been transported.
In modern day living this trunk would make a perfect coffee table boasting signifcant storage, or could also be used as a storage chest in many locations around the home including the hallway, living room or bedroom. The trunk is also a little larger than most which can be found on the market, which of course adds to its functionality.
The Eagle Lock Company (established 1833), was at one time the largest trunk and cabinet lock maker in the world. It was based in Terryville, Connecticut amd supplied locks and catches for many different designs and styles of antique trunks and boxes (as well as other items) throughout the second half of the 19th century and early 20th century.
We believe this particular military campaign trunk is almost certainly American in origin as its extremely rare to find Eagle Lock Company hardware on 19th century european trunks and also the brass banded decoration is significantly different to the standard brass designs which we regularly see on those european examples. The trunk is also a bit larger and more significant than the norm.
The trunk has also been inspected in our workshops by our expert antique furniture restorers and received a natural wax polish before being offered for sale to ensure it is ready for immediate placement within the home.
Circa 1860.
Height 20.5in.
Width 42in.
Depth 23in.