I purchased this trunk for $90. The owner said she had bought it from an older lady a couple of years back; she said it had been in their family for a while.
It has leather handles on either side of it, the front, middle claps is broken but the 2 side ones still close. It's got a few booboos but still seems solid.
I want to do something crafty with it but I want to know if it's worth anything before I do that. I tried to research on my own but couldn't find much. I thought it might be an R.H. John trunk but the logo isn't the same. Wasn't sure if they ever changed their logo or if this is a weird knockoff.
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It will take someone with vintage/antique trunk knowledge to place a value on your trunk, as each trunk's value is based on brand, condition, age, rarity, and popularity. Even location may have a bearing on value, as trunks can be expensive to ship.
Your trunk looks to be in good condition but the provenance provided by the seller will probably be of no use as sellers can 'say' anything but without any evidence it is unreliable.
You cannot compare different trunks listed for sale or sold to the value of your trunk, as this would be the same as trying to compare apples and oranges.
As it presently stands, the $90 you paid for your trunk would be considered the current value.
Without seeking expert opinions, this is all that can be said about the value.
Just to be on the safe side, I would suggest you try to get more information before redoing your trunk.
Here are some forum sites that may be able to help you.
You will have to join each site and present your pictures and information. It may take a few days to receive answers.
Reddit is very good but not always 'user friendly'. Ask questions if having problems sending information.
It will take a little work on your part to dig out the best information.
brettunsvillage.com/
www.antiquers.com/
trapperman.com/
You can also ask for free appraisals from auction houses.
They may not provide an appraisal if it is valued at under $500, but they will inform you of this.
www.whatsellsbest.com/
I found similar trademark with a crocodile and a chest from two companies:
D.D. Whitney & Co.
hmsantiquetrunks.com/
hmsantiquetrunks.com/
Whitney, D.D. & Co. started in 1874, Washington Ave. North. Minneapolis, Minnesota.
hmsantiquetrunks.com/
You can read about this company in Los Angeles Herald, Volume XXXI, Number 117, 24 January 1904:
cdnc.ucr.edu/
and
Duluth trunk factory
www.hmsantiquetrunks.com/
www.hmsantiquetrunks.com/
The Duluth Trunk Factory started in 1888 in Duluth
208 West Superior, St Duluth, Minnesota.
hmsantiquetrunks.com/
www.collectorsweekly.com/
Both companies are from Minnesota.
I found a similar trunk with a similar trademark:
www.worthpoint.com/
The seller assumes that this is a Duluth trademark.
I think a reasonable range for your trunk would be $100-150.
This will give you an overview of the various prices that vintage wooden trunks have sold for. Prices range from $50-$14K:
www.ebay.com/
Depending on condition, the value can range from $100 to over $1000. I would take it to a dealer before I touched it
It looks like a typical flat steamer trunk. I think it is from the late 19th or early 20th century.
Looking similar antique wooden trunk was sold for $30
R. H. John Trunk has a man on a crocodile www.galvestonhistorycenter.org/
Antique R.H. John Trunk made by Galveston Trunk Factory, Galveston Texas
www.worthpoint.com/
I found similar antique Steamer Trunk Flat Top at $349.95
www.ebay.com/
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