Great Day at the Antique Store!

[RelicHunter97]

Hello all!

Today my mom and I ventured to an antique store that my mom had been eyeing for a while. It' about half an hour away down a very scenic route, very nice. Anyways, we were lookning around for a while, saw some pretty neat stuff. At this point I had two old bottles and my mom had a painting and a lamp. Then she asked me to help her move some stuff off of a big old trunk. We got the stuff off (one of those items being a very old rocking horse) and we looked it over. It's a fairly large trunk (36"W x 21"L x 25"T) and it is in very good condition. My mom was expecting me to read off a price around $300, but we were both in shock when I read $45! An old trunk was something I had always wanted, and at this price, it would have been ridiculous to pass it up! So we got it, and lugged it in the car (after putting a few seats down).

I did some research into the maker of the chest, L.E. Morrison. He was a leather/travel goods maked based out of Indianapolis, who worked Between 1870 and 1920 approximately. Based on the shipping label, this piece was made in about 1910/11. It was shipped from Indianapolis to Otisville, New York, for $150, via Wells Fargo. I can't quite tell who it was shipped for, a Henry _____edy, I believe. It was sent out on August 31st, 1911, and arrived on November 30th, 1911, rom what I can make out. Unfortunately, this piece is missing the pull out tray(s). See this piece in the Indiana State Museum; Indiana State Museum - Objects. Click on the picture to get a larger view as well as other views.

There are a few damage issues, but I feel they can be fixed easily. I think it's going to clean up great . I'm hoping to take it to Antiques Roadshow next year, but we'll see. It's going to look wonderful after cleaning and restoration, and might be able to fetch $250, or more, based on what I've seen on the internet. But I think I'll keep it .

 

[RelicHunter97]

**P.S. I did some photo magic to the labels to try to bring out the writing. Also, it still has the original key, and the locking mechanism still works **

 

[olekyground]

Awesome find.. gotta watch those though. They are very common to be faked! However if that's the real deal, you may be able to fetch 5 to 10 grand. Love it either way. :-)

 

[SC_hunter]

I don't think he did anything to the chest and writing itself. Think he doctored the picture he took of it. Good job and nice find.

 

[RelicHunter97]

Yes, I merely edited the photo, hence "photo magic." And I would get it professionally restored, I never said I was going to do it myself, and it's only minor things that need to be taken care of, like a pice of bent metal and some torn fabric. All that *I* was going to do was gently take a damp cloth to it to remove the dust.

 

[billn1956]

I think if you read what he said real ,real, Slow he is letting you know he used soft wear to bring out the label in the picture so you can read it better. I bet you really are special too.

 

[smcdmc]

Brain dead fools who don't know how to read apparently. Where did the OP say he did any "rubbing to restore the lettering"? And how do you know what kind of business they are in? Lighten up a little.

 

[RelicHunter97]

Actually, I'm a boy. But its alright, you had no way to know :P

 

[TNGUNS]

Use caution 4 reale. Comments like that not needed or appreciated. If you read the rules also not tolerated.

 

[jewelerguy]

nice old trunk

 

[kiana7]

WTG,,nice Trunk I would keep it too,,HH

 

[Beans]

I always keep an eye for those old trucks. $45 was a bargin. Shipping labels are great, helps with the age and history. Not uncommon for the top tray to be missing. I see the handle (s) are missing, I use old leather belts for replacement. Great find.