|
Home
>
Worthopedia – Price Guide
>
Furniture & Furnishings >
1920s STEAMER TRUNK travel wardrobe w/ VINTAGE LABELS
|
Terms and Conditions for using our site |
1920s STEAMER TRUNK travel wardrobe w/ VINTAGE LABELS
Sold For:
 or Sign In to see What it's worth.
This fascinating piece of history makes a great conversation piece/coffee table. This trunk was manufactured in the 1920's by Philadelphia firm Belber Trunk and Bag Co. The buyer appears to have been a student, as it bears large labels on front and back for a student exchange program (American Boys in Scandinavian Homes) for its maiden voyage aboard the S.S. Hellig Olav in 1928. The owner's name, Lewis Barlow, as well as his monogram, are still visible on the well-patinaed trunk. T are multiple travel decals representing 4 major steamers of the Scandinavian American Line (S.S. Hellig Olav, S.S. United States, S.S. Oscar II, S.S. Frederick VIII), 1 from the Holland America Line (a New York to Rotterdam voyage), and 1 label from the early Danish National Airline (Det Danske Luftfartselskab). Incredible uppercrust getaways represented on this trunk include some of the oldest and finest hotels in Scandinavia and the U.S. (The more research I did, the more amazed I was at the rich travel history of this unique piece). Scandinavian destinations include the Grand Hotel Oslo, Hotel Nobel, Hotel Phoenix Copenhagen, Hotel Bristol, and Hotel D'Angleterre--all of which are still operating and brag of a rich history of hosting royals, literary giants, and nobel prize winners among their guests. The storied Elbow Beach resort in Bermuda caught my eye, as it is so far from the main cluster of destinations. This property is now part of Mandarin Oriental's portfolio, owned by Prince Khalid Bin Sultan, a prominent member of the Saudi Arabian royal family. Other getaways of the rich and famous of the early twentieth century represented in this trunk's travels include the now-closed Lake Placid Club (host to the 1932 winter Olympics), closed Bigwin Inn (once billed as the most luxurious and largest summer resort in all of North America), and newly revitalized Mission Inn (which hosted opera legends Sarah Bernhardt and Madame Modjeska among others). T are also a few more modest or unreadable destinations, as well as typical collegiate penants for Springfield College and Dartmouth . As is typical of an item of this age, the trunk and decals show considerable wear. The leather pullhandle is missing, and the interior compartments are aged and crackling (though not mildewy!). This piece is definitely for show or for use as a coffee table--not storage (unless you wish to refurbish the interior). Although aged, the hinges and hardware are all sound--the trunk opens and closes solidly. T is no key to the lock. The piece is rock-solid and heavy. I used it for several years as a coffee table, although it shows no furniture wear, or stains. It could be varnished to protect the decals from further deterioration. I have enjoyed owning this intriguing conversation piece, and researching its rich history for the past decade. I purchased it in 1998 at an antiques dealer in the Winchester/Front Royal, VA area. I am now downsizing, and will accept a best offer. This piece is large (41"L x 22"W x 15"D), and heavy (@50 lbs.), and would be best picked up. I will, however, arrange for long-distance shipping with a common carrier at the buyer's request/expense. This item has been kept in a clean, smokefree home.
Items in the Worthopedia are obtained exclusively from licensors and partners solely for our members’ research needs.
View Similar ItemsMore Items from eBay
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Joining is free and gives you access to our Community & Forums.
If you are interested in our pricing data or other paid memberships, try our Full 7-day Free Trial Here.
By creating an account you agree to our Terms & Conditions
