1890 Wall Trunk Restoration for Ben (another Moment in Time)

Another old photo CD rescued from the digital abyss. This one held a trunk restoration Ben and I tackled back in 2003. We had stumbled across a rare wall trunk—one that was clearly begging to be saved. Wall trunks were unusual pieces, built by only a handful of craftsmen, each using their own patented hinge system that allowed the trunk to open fully while sitting flat against a wall. Because of those clever mechanisms, they cost more than the average trunk. And like all trunks, they carried a history. What stories could this one tell? Who owned it? Where had it traveled? What treasures once rested inside? This particular trunk was made by Eggeman, Duguid & Company, a respected late 19th century manufacturer out of Toledo, Ohio. They were known for producing high quality canvas covered steamer trunks, and their signature “wall saver” designs. The company operated from the 1880s into the early 1900s and even offered a lifetime guarantee on their hinge system. This trunk dated circa 1890. Wall trunks are still highly sought after today, so finding one in need of rescuing felt like striking gold. This one had once been covered in green canvas, but over the years it had been painted black—again and again. The canvas was torn and missing in places, far beyond saving. With its flat lid, it had likely spent years at the bottom of cargo stacks in steamship holds, and it showed the scars: stress fractures, cracks, and begging for plenty of repairs. Restoring this trunk was a fun project, and Ben was thrilled with the result. He still treasures it today. Another trunk rescued, another trunk ready to collect new moments in time." Subscribe and share in our adventure! Become part of the conversation on Facebook by liking https://www.facebook.com/SV.MomentsInTime/ As always, please feel free to comment and let us know your thoughts.