Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 14

English Chatham & Wilkes Faux Bois Steel Steamer Trunk J & E Bates Brass Latch

About the Item

This Edwardian cold rolled annealed steel travel steamer trunk was made in Wolverhampton England by Chatham & Wilkes. The trunk has been decorated in a faux bois pattern with beautiful graining. The domed lid has a raised rectangular section at the center bearing a series of riveted knobs intended to protect the surface if stacked with other trunks while in transit. Each of the four knobs on the raised section features a decorative escutcheon. There are a series of riveted knobs at both ends designed to prevent damage if the trunk is stored/transported vertically. The ends of the trunk are also equipped with large fold-down metal handles so the piece can be moved easily from place to place. The underside of the trunk has not been painted. The inside of the trunk was designed with a separate shallow compartment beneath the lid which is nicely sized to store documents or valuables one does not wish to leave inside the primary storage area. The compartment is accessed by turning an open ring-form latch attached to the roof of the trunk and lowering a long flat section of hinged metal that forms the compartment's floor. The compartment may be closed by lifting the hinged floor back into place and turning the latch. The latch can be further secured with a small padlock to prevent easy access. The front of the trunk is fitted with a hinged brass latch reading "E. Bates W. Hampton". E. Bates was Edward Bates, brother to Joseph Bates and partner in J & E Bates & Sons Ltd. - Wolverhampton-based makers of locks, latches, and keys. It also carries the Bates company mark: a piece of rope twisted into a pretzel-shaped knot. The lower part of the latch bears the Chatham & Wilkes mark reading "Chatham & Wilkes & Co Japanners Wolverhampton". The latch is stamped with British Registration Number "RD 41308" corresponding to 1903. The trunk's interior retains its original soft pink paint which complements the rich brown faux bois finish on the exterior. It also bears the original British Registration Number label reading "Rd. No. 66733" corresponding to 1919. As seen in the accompanying photos the interior is clean with normal signs of light use including minor marks and paint loss. The trunk is in good condition and is structurally sound. The hinged lid and internal lid supports are fully functional, as is the latch securing the separate internal storage compartment. As an antique, the piece shows signs of general wear including paint loss, dents, and other marks/scratches that are noted for accuracy. The original key is not present. The trunk weighs 30.5 lbs. This unusual antique English faux bois steel steamer trunk displays very well and can be used for storage or as a decorative accent. A terrific piece in great original condition.
  • Creator:
    Chatham & Wilkes (Manufacturer),J & E Bates & Sons (Manufacturer)
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 18.5 in (46.99 cm)Width: 27.5 in (69.85 cm)Depth: 18.5 in (46.99 cm)
  • Style:
    Edwardian (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Brass,Steel,Faux Bois,Japanned
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
    1910-1919
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1919
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses.
  • Seller Location:
    Cincinnati, OH
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: 112607473 AK1stDibs: LU1191240466342

More From This Seller

View All
Victorian Pierced and Etched Brass Pietra Dura Triple Fold Out Picture Frame
By Halstaff & Hannaford
Located in Cincinnati, OH
This ornamental 19th century tabletop triple picture frame was made in England by London based luxury goods and box manufacturer Halstaff and Hannaford of Regent Street. The brass f...
Category

Antique 1880s English Late Victorian Picture Frames

Materials

Stone, Brass

Vintage David Marshall Brutalist Brass and Aluminum 17.75" Tabletop Wing Clock
By David Marshall
Located in Cincinnati, OH
This vintage brutalist brass and aluminum tabletop clock was made in Spain by Scottish sculptor David Marshall. The sand-cast battery-operated clock has a thick, asymmetrical brass ...
Category

Late 20th Century Spanish Brutalist Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Aluminum, Brass

Edwardian Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver 13-Piece Vanity Set
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Cincinnati, OH
Edwardian Tiffany & Co sterling silver 13-piece vanity set. This Edwardian sterling silver gentleman's dresser set was made by Tiffany & Company in the early part of the 20th century. The pieces have been finished in an intricate pattern made up of a series of foliate scrolls bordered by stylized bellflowers. The items bear cartouches which have been beautifully monogrammed in script. The dresser set is comprised of 13 pieces and includes a glove stretcher, button hook, shoe horn, hinged and perforated soap case...
Category

Early 20th Century American Edwardian Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

Buccellati Sterling Silver Maschera Ligorica Pendant
By Mario Buccellati
Located in Cincinnati, OH
This sterling silver Maschera Ligorica pendant was made by Italian luxury jeweler, Buccellati. The Buccellati family has a long tradition of working with precious metals and gemstones which spans more than 250 years. Mario Buccellati established the company in his name in 1919, and quickly went on to secure a reputation for his meticulous craftsmanship and artistic vision. Under Mario's leadership, the company has supplied the royal families of Italy, Spain and Egypt with Fine jewelry and sterling hollowware, in addition to creating pieces for the Vatican. Buccellati today continues to pride itself on its original designs, with all of its pieces designed in house by Gianmaria Buccellati or his son Andrea...
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Renaissance Revival Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Sterling Silver

Mid-Century Modern Eugene Deutch Glazed Ceramic Pitcher
By Eugene Deutch
Located in Cincinnati, OH
This glazed ceramic pitcher was made by noted Hungarian-born studio potter Eugene Deutch (1904-1959). Deutch studied under modernist sculptor Constantin Brancusi in Paris before emig...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Pitchers

Materials

Ceramic

Antique Heufel & Co Dresden Hand Painted Porcelain 10" Vase
By Dresden Porcelain
Located in Cincinnati, OH
This exceptional late 19th century porcelain cabinet vase was hand painted at the Dresden based studio of Georg Heufel & Co. The artist signed vase has a slightly flared cylindrical...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century German Victorian Vases

Materials

Porcelain

You May Also Like

1900s Seasoned English Canvas Leather Wood Steamer Trunk with Brass Hardware
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
English steamer trunk which exudes old world charm and historic originality down to unrestored canvas, interior, travel stickers, leather work an...
Category

Antique Early 1900s English Edwardian Trunks and Luggage

Materials

Canvas

American Brass Mounted Steamer Trunk
Located in Astoria, NY
American Brass Mounted and Canvas Covered Wood Steamer Trunk, marked "Eagle Lock Co. / Terryville, Conn." to lock. 21.75" H x 32.5" W x 20" D. Provenance: From a New York City Estate.
Category

Early 20th Century American American Empire Trunks and Luggage

Materials

Brass

Old Metal (Best Steel) Travel Cabin Trunk, Hand Luggage, by T. WILKES & SONS
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Old Metal (Best Steel) Travel Cabin Trunk, Hand Luggage, by T. WILKES & SONS Made in the 1920s by T. WILKES & SONS, Trade mark DRAYTONS WORKS -WOLVERHAMPTON - England and This tr...
Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Trunks and Luggage

Materials

Metal

Red Goyard Trunk, Goyard Steamer Trunk
By Goyard
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
This adorable little Goyard trunk features Hermes red color canvas, solid brass corners and solid brass engraved Goyard lock and clasps. It has got a large leather handle on the top. Its interior is all original too in cream color lining and it still has got its original red Goyard...
Category

Vintage 1930s French Trunks and Luggage

Materials

Brass

Large Leather Steamer Trunk
Located in Faversham, GB
A wonderful late 19th-century leather steamer trunk. The trunk is made of canvas and has been leather-mounted around a wicker dome top. Two large buckles to the front of the trunk s...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Trunks and Luggage

Materials

Leather, Wicker

Large Leather Steamer Trunk
$2,765 Sale Price
20% Off
19thc Steamer Trunk / Coffee Table Trunk
By Royal Trunk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19thc steamer trunk from a train or storage building. This is the size of a coffee table. A piece of glass may be placed on top to create a larger coffee table, very strong with Iro...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century American Adirondack Trunks and Luggage

Materials

Iron

Recently Viewed

View All