Featured Old trunk

My Grandma and I found this old trunk on the side of the road back in 2006 and just wondering if anyone would be able to tell me about what year it was made in. There are no markings on it and I havent done any kind of restoration except for trying to fix the back board where lid connects to the body which was broken when we found it. Wood isn't very thick and the handles feel like wood.
Thanks

 

Stained pine?
I wouldn’t have abandoned it.

 

Looks like stained pine to me from the termite damage on it. We couldn't leave it there..crammed it into her little Camry that day.

 

Mid to late 19th century. Would have been covered in leather, oil-cloth, or even paper at the low end.

 

Here is a rare surviving paper covered trunk similar to yours.

 

Thank you! Its a lot older than I expected. I found one just like it after flipping through pictures. Just to think I got after my sister in law who sat on its fragile top

 

now you've got a project.!

 

I guess I do! The lid really needs fixing as its only 1 hinge holding it on. Don't want to loose to much of its original look. My Grandma taught me not to repaint or do to much to antiques or it takes value away

 

point taken......but there are times when a good paint...or repaint can make an old item more saleable in the current market.

 

Mep, I'm old fashioned and prefer to buy unpainted, un-refinished wood items.

I would want the hinge fixed only if it could be done in a professional manner. Otherwise, if you are fixing this up for resale, it may not be worth the do.

 

I found a huge pile of trunks left by the side of the road once. Loaded them all up and took off with a huge smile. Later the smile turned to disgust as a horrible odor took over my car. My guess is their sewer backed up and that smell stayed in my car for a long time after.

 

I have had trunks that I have painted, and some that I left alone. My rule is: if I can make it look lovely using Old English Furniture Stain, I don't paint.

You are fortunate that your trunk is a flat top -- Much more useful!

 

This one isnt going anywhere. My grandma says she doesnt remember us finding it or she would have taken it. I have a friend who maybe able to help with repair work..maybe some fresh old english