What was a steamer trunk used for

Steamer trunks, also known as cabin trunks or traveling trunks, were originally used as luggage for extended trips by steamship, train, or stagecoach or for taking to boarding school. Many were quite elaborate inside and out. Steamer trunks have a distinguishing curved or barrel top and can weigh as much as 100 pounds.

Why did steamer trunks have curved tops?

The curved top not only offered a little more storage space, it meant that when traveling it had to be placed on the top of the stack, and not the bottom, thereby reducing the likelihood of damage. What’s it Worth? Whether flat-top or dome-top, many people love their trunks.

What is steamer trunk?

Definition of steamer trunk : a trunk suitable for use in a stateroom of a steamer especially : a shallow trunk that may be stowed beneath a berth.

Are old trunks worth any money?

With the above information in consideration the average American made trunk is worth about 100 to 300 depending on the style, size and condition. If fully restored prices can be anywhere from $400 to $900. Most french made trunks will bring over $2,000 or more.

How much do steamer trunks go for?

This trunk is called a steamer wardrobe trunk and they can sell for $75 – $500 and up. Name brands usually bring in more money.

What is a steamer trunk made from?

Typically, the body of a steamer trunk is made from thick wood or metal, and it is often strapped with metal or leather bands to ensure that it is extremely sturdy. A frame of metal or wood may be enclosed inside the steamer trunk so that it can endure heavy impacts and the weight of luggage stacked on top of it.

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.

What can you do with an old trunk?

A vintage trunk can be also turned into a home bar, just renovate or decorate it as you need and then put on some legs of your choice, or put several trunks on each other. Voila! you can use the top or open the chest and place bottles and glasses inside.

How do you identify a steamer trunk?

Looking at it from the side, it resembles an “8” (or a loaf of bread) because it curves inward in the middle, where it latches. Travel/Steamer Trunks: Mostly flat tops, these trunks were made and designed for traveling purposes and being places in snug spaces.

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.

Article first time published on

What were antique trunks used for?

Today, they are used as furniture or storage. Trunks have been used around the world for thousands of years. The small, flat-topped trunk, we see in use today were popular during the Victorian era and were used primarily for storage. They were usually made of pine and covered in decorative material or leather.

What is the difference between a trunk and a chest?

According to several dictionaries, a “trunk” is a large case or box that can be used when travelling or for storage, whereas a “chest” is used only for storage.

What's the difference between a trunk and a suitcase?

As nouns the difference between suitcase and trunk is that suitcase is large (usually rectangular) piece of luggage used for carrying clothes, and sometimes suits, when travelling while trunk is the (usually single) upright part of a tree, between the roots and the branches: the tree trunk.

Can you take a steamer trunk on a plane?

Yes, it is. That trunk weighs 29 pounds! If you are traveling in economy, you’ll have to pay overweight fees if your bag is over 50 pounds. right now they will take any kind of “trunk” may it be an elephant’s or a wood one as the planes are empty.

What is the top of a trunk called?

Box– The top and bottom frame of the trunk are called the box. The box was made of a light, strong wood such as Pine and Basswood. These were the woods of choice and used in almost all cases. I have seen a few early trunks (1860-1870) that were made of Poplar, but never other woods like Cedar, Ash, Hickory or Elm.

How do you clean an old trunk?

Clean metal antique trunks with a mixture of one part white vinegar and one part water in a spray bottle. Gently clean paper lined trunk interiors by spraying the vinegar solution on your cleaning cloth and carefully wiping down the interior.

When were camel back trunks made?

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.

How do you clean a steamer trunk canvas?

The best way to do this is by cleaning the canvas as much as possible – usually by dry brushing it as much as possible, then by gently dabbing at it with a damp sponge. Get as much dirt off as possible.

How do you refinish an old wooden chest?

1 Clean the Chest Up. Place the chest on a work surface at about waist height. …
2 Remove the Hardware. Use a screwdriver to remove hinges and latches. …
3 Repair Cracks + Splinters. …
4 Fill Dents + Scratches. …
5 Sand the Chest. …
6 Nooks + Crannies. …
7 Final Sanding. …
8 Wipe On, Wipe Off.

Can you paint an old trunk?

Clean and sand the trunk until it is free of any dust and has a smooth texture. Dip a paintbrush into the paint until it is barely covered. Wipe it off on a soft cloth to reduce the amount of paint on the bristles. Brush the paint onto the trunk with an light pressure, letting the trunk’s original finish show through.

Can you use a cedar chest as a coffee table?

Coffee table. Coffee tables provide the perfect spot to rest your cup of Joe while relaxing after a long day. Cedar chests provide an attractive and classic look as a centerpiece to your living room. For added protection for your cedar chest you can add a piece of glass or plexiglass over the top.

How do you get the smell out of a steamer trunk?

Vacuum the interior carefully and then set it outside in direct sunlight for a day.
Wad up newspapers and fill the interior with them. …
Next, spread out fresh newspapers. …
Repeat these steps until the smell has lessened.

Which of these does not have a wooden trunk?

The correct answer is Banana. Banana trees do not have a wooden trunk.

Is chest a part of trunk?

A: The trunk is the main part of the body. It does not include the head or the limbs but everything in between (front to back, top to bottom). The thorax is also known as the chest. … The pelvis refers to four bones in the lower part of the trunk.

Is trunk your chest?

The trunk, or torso, is the part of the body to which the head, arms, and legs connect. It includes the shoulders, chest, lower abdomen, back, and buttocks.

What are elephant trunks used for?

An elephant’s trunk is actually a long nose used for smelling, breathing, trumpeting, drinking, and also for grabbing things—especially a potential meal. The trunk alone contains about 40,000 muscles. African elephants have two fingerlike features on the end of their trunk that they can use to grab small items.

Can I take a footlocker on a plane?

SW does limit the size of “free” checked luggage to a max of 62 inches (Height+width+length), and the item is a bit above that so if you run in to a rules stickler when you check in you may be hit with an oversize bag fee. Also if it weighs more than 50 pounds there is an overweight bag fee.