Here is a rare and rather dilapidated early 19th century Dome Top Railroad Trunk: 32" Wide X 16" Tall X 12" Deep
This trunk features the original cowhide covering on the wooden body, much of it rubbed smooth from use. The cowhide was attached using antique handmade, square shank, brass tacks (some of which are missing and some of which have been replaced with newer tacks). Gorgeous square bronze locking hardware featuring an ornate keyhole (no key). Internally mounted leather hinges and Dotted Swiss paper lining, mostly intact.
That intriguing " H H" monogram outlined with tacks on the lid?
Who was this H. H. person? There are a lot of "famous" HH's including: Herbert Hoover, Hugh Hefner, Hedda Hopper, Howard Hughes, Herman Hesse, Hubert Humphrey (HHH!), Harry Houdini, H. Himmler, H, Hertz, Henry Hudson, Horatio Hornblower, Helen Hayes, Helen Hunt & Holly Hunter, And lest we forget: Watergate mastermind Howard Hunt!!! I don't think this trunk belonged to any of them, but who knows?
This trunk is probably not usable for its intended purpose unless restored. However, it certainly would lend itself to a vintage/rustic farmhouse or country decor scheme or would make a great age-authentic prop. I have surfaced cleaned it and made it presentable, but its patina and signs of use and wear make it a unique and outstanding artifact of a time gone by.
This trunk came to me from the notorious 2000 Alpenrose Dairy liquidation. It was being used for over 70 years as a display piece holding vintage dolls and period clothing inside the Alpenrose Dairyland mini-shop called Tammy's Toys (which I purchased, in whole, at the liquidation auction). Since then, I have been looking at it and thinking about it and have finally decided to list it whole rather than deconstructing it and parting it out (the tacks alone are worth plenty to a collector). It is one of the very last pieces from Alpenrose's Dairyland that I have and I am hoping to pass it on to someone who has an appreciation of the special history it carries. But, of course, that is up to you....
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Enjoy!