Elm Trunks and Luggage

Marvelously hand-crafted chest from the late 1600s or early 1700s. One of the things that make antiques so appealing & attractive is the fact that most pieces were handmade in recognizable styles, with proven techniques AND with natural materials that could and would stand the test of time. The longer back in time we go, the more that seems to be the case. This amazing chest from circa 1680-1720 is clearly made in the Gothic Style with Gothic church window-like carvings. With Gothic style chests of this age being very rare, we were (and still are) very enthousiastic about finding it. Put together and strengthened with hand-forged, wrought iron brackets, nails AND with very large dovetails, the master carpenter provided the techniques that would guarantee the owner a chest that would last him (or her) a lifetime. As it turned out, his workmanship, in this case, created a chest that has already served some 15 generations. This heavy quality chest is made of solid elm and wrought iron only and the centuries of usage and natural aging have given this Gothic antique a patina that is simply heavenly. The striking and deeply hand-carved Gothic cathedral-like windows, but also the hand forged lock...

19th Century English Elm Trunk

We are delighted to offer for sale this original circa 1880 English Elm strapped with Wrought Iron rivets, leather handled, canvas steamer trunk This is a very well made example ...

We are delighted to offer for sale this early 19th century elm blanket box. This antique country chest, blanket box has a nice patina, the condit...

Trunks and storage chests were the most ubiquitous form of household storage throughout the Ming and Qing dynasties. Used to store clothes, linens, kitchen utensils, and other miscellaneous items, trunks were found in every room in the home and were often stacked on top of one another. This elegant pair of trunks...

This is an antique marriage chest. An Asian, Chinese elm carved dowry trunk, dating to the 19th century, circa 1900. Captivating matrimonial ...

A work of art in itself, this finely woven Qing dynasty trunk likely once stored prized painted scrolls. Framed in elmwood, the trunk’s panels are lined with thin reeds that were pai...

A work of art in itself, this finely woven Qing-dynasty trunk likely once stored prized painted scrolls. Framed in elmwood, the trunk’s panels are lined with thin reeds that were pai...

A beautifully weathered leather, elm and cast iron dancer's clothing trunk. With attractive Chinese calligraphy and original heavy cast iron handles. From Xian, circa 1900. CST321.  

Studded with brass nails and textured by richly worn black lacquer, this spectacular trunk dates to the late Ming dynasty and would have been used by a wealthy family or merchant to ...