Featured ANY INFO; LIKE AGE, WHERE FROM? ON ANTIQUE TOOLED LEATHER COVERED TRUNK

This is one of my finds at the thrift store today (along with a very cool vintage Benoto race/road bike - for $49!), and I'm wondering how old it is & where it's from?
The nails look hand forged to me, but I could be wrong.
PS - Sorry for photos; it looked like it was going to rain hard so I took the photos while it was still in the van I brought it home in.
Thanks in advance for any help!

 

I have seen similar ones from Peru. Gaudy but nice.

 

It is the famous 'Gaudy Peruvian' style.

 

It does look Spanish colonial.

https://www.skinnerinc.com/auctions/2698B/lots/588

 

Do you think it is as old as one in your link 2manybooks? That one is colonial (late 1700's)?
Do you need any more photos to tell it's age? Because that one sold for $6,000(!) and I got this one for only $39 today!
Thank you guys - made my day!

 

I believe they still make similar ones in Peru, and this one doesn't look 18th century to me at all.
But I honestly couldn't say if it is 19th or 20th century. We need our wood experts to take a look.
@Ghopper1924 , @Jeff Drum , can you take a look please?
I know it isn't early US, but @James Conrad , I'll tag you anyway.

 

I should have said Spanish colonial in style, so probably originating somewhere in the areas that were colonized by the Spanish. That is all I meant to say, based on the comparison. You did not post the dimensions. But another indicator of age might be the width of the boards used. They do not appear to be pieced, and if they are particularly wide they might indicate old growth wood.

 

I'll get measurements - as I said it's in my van waiting for clear skies.
And if not old, then - it is what it is - but it did get my heart beating fast for a few moments so that was fun! (and I don't think I'll lose money at $39 even if not so old, right?)

 

Outside my area, but my feeling is 20th century because of the metal work. Couldn't say which country but my guess is South America. Probably for the tourist trade. In any case, you may not sell it for $6,000, but you got a good deal.

 

Wood looks like cedar to me.

 

What do I measure?
Trunk 31.5" x 16.5" x 16.5" & wood planks on bottom are 5" wide?

 

Sun came out - and I was able to take better pics - hope these can help someone tell the age better.

 

Judging by the wood inside the trunk doesn't appear to be all that old. Looks like from the 40s era.

 

I googled "Peruvian leather covered wooden trunk" to see if such items are still being made, or if there were any recent dated examples. The only boxes that looked like this one were all dated to the 17th and 18th centuries. The scalloped leather along the edges is a consistent characteristic.
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/en-...-peruvian-leather-cedar-chest-flora-and-fauna
https://www.1stdibs.com/furniture/s...ated-dome-top-trunk-dated-1767/id-f_11109191/
https://www.michaelbackmanltd.com/o...tooled-leather-wood-chest-with-iron-fittings/
This last example notes "The manufacturing of items in decorative leatherwork was a flourishing trade in the viceregal era across South America. Leather-covered chests and trunks were among the items most typically made."

I don't see any parts of the construction that would be inconsistent with a 17th-18th century date, but that does not mean old techniques did not continue to be used in South America. The bottom appears to be one solid board, but 16 1/2" is not exceptionally wide. On the exterior of the bottom panel it looks like there are saw marks left by a handsaw or pit saw, which would be another indication of age. It has been awhile since boards were ripped by hand.

On the other hand, the colors look awfully bright to be a couple of centuries old.

It does seem it might be worth having a specialist look at it.

 

thank you all!

 

2manybooks - I saw those - and couldn't find any newer ones - any suggestions where I should take it to get it checked for age? Thank you & thanks all!

 

No idea where to take it, particularly during the pandemic. I believe you have had some dealings with some of the high end auction houses before. It might be worth a try to send them some photos.

 

That may be a great idea! Worse that can happen is they don't know or it's newer - thanks again

 

I have an offer for $600 on ebay (I put it up for $650obo) - should I take it or wait to see if it's older/worth more? Honestly for what I paid I'm thinking of accepting the offer - but I trust the opinions here more than myself (ie look at all the factory paintings I buy thinking they were home runs!)
Thanks guys