The romance and history of these old travel essentials
by John Syratt

English aviator and world traveler, Beryl Markham, the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic east to west (1936) once said, “I have a trunk containing continents.” Trunks, some with a thousand of years of history, especially in Asia, stir up a romantic sense of adventure and are treasured by many collectors.

A trunk is a large container for holding clothes and other personal belongings and was required for the long and rugged journeys of days past. A chest is different as it is used primarily for household storage (hope chest, blanket box, etc) and not as durable as a trunk built to withstand the rigors of travel.

Trunks have been made in many shapes, sizes and styles including Jenny Linds (stagecoach trunks), saratogas (iron bound with curved tops), monitors, steamers (or flat-tops), barrel-staves, bevel-tops, wardrobes, dome-tops, barrel-tops, wall trunks, and even full dresser trunks.

Leather-covered trunks were the rage from the late 18th to mid-19th centuries. By1895, trunks were covered with canvas or decorated sheet metal. Embossed metal coverings were in use from 1870-1910. By the mid 1920’s they were covered with vulcanized fibre or undecorated metal.

In 1858, Parisian luggage maker Louis Vuitton introduced his flat-bottom trunks, making them lightweight and airtight. Before this, rounded-top trunks were commonly used, to assist with water runoff, but they could not be stacked. It was Vuitton’s flat trunk that afforded the ability to stack with ease for ocean voyages.

His company grew in sales and prestige. By 1913, Louis Vuitton’s Paris shop was the largest travel-goods store in the world. The company went on to become one of the most famous makers of luxury goods.

Louis Vuitton’s antique trunks now command high prices – often in the thousands.

Here’s a small collection of trunks seen recently in BC and Alberta:
A Vuitton steamer ward-robe trunk recently sold online for $8,109. For more on trunks visit www.oldtrunks.com.	This rare 1916 vintage treasure chest trunk was spotted at Sentimental Journey Antiques on Hwy 2 north in Nanton, AB. It’s 33” wide, 27 1/2” high, 22” deep and priced at $945.99. For info visit www.sentimentaljourneyantiques.ca or call 403-646-2439.
This very old (and heavy) wheeled trunk seen at High River Antiques in High River, AB comes from India. It’s 61” wide, 44 1/4”high, 33” wide, made from teak and covered with bronze and tin. It has four hidden compartments and the bronze front is embellished with peacocks, elephants, henna style flowers and a mythological type of dragon. It’s priced at $7,800. Call 403-601-6289.	This 1859 Norwegian bride’s dowry trunk, found at The Hour Glass Antiques & Things on the Trans Canada Highway in Sorrento, BC was destined for Bella Coola, BC. It is traditionally painted with folk art trees of life and priced at $495. Call 250-675-3132.
This trunk found at The Airmail Antiques & Collectibles at 6377 V.L.A. Road in Chase, BC has a label saying it was shipped on April 2, 1899 and is made of leather-covered wood with wood slats and metal trim. It’s priced at $75. Call 250-679-3930.	This leather trunk found at Inside Avenue Antiques Mall in Calgary was purchased in Northampton, England in 1949 and accompanied Calgarian Miss B.M.W. Church to Canada on The Empress of Canada. Years later Church related an incident on the voyage about a “funny little man” who wanted to take her photo. She politely declined, telling him to leave her alone. Little did she know that little man was world famous portrait photographer, Yosef Karsh, who was sailing to Canada with his wife. The 27 1/2” wide, 19” deep and 14” high trunk has since sold but was priced at $395. Visit www.insideavenueantiquesinc.com or call 403- 287-1988.