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elements out. A decade later, the refinement of designed with metal hardware trim to protect Traveling into the 20th Century
brass supplied the market with cast lock plates. the trunk’s contents from damage. During the In the lead-up to the Victorian heyday, rail
New designs for trick keyhole covers included 1900s, Connecticut makers such as Stanley and ship travel became more popular. During
mythical animals, figureheads, dolphin tails, Works in New Britain, Eagle in Terryville, the second half of the 19th century, demand
and lion designs among others accented Corbin in New Britain, and Yale in Stamford, increased for custom-made, functional, sturdy
for higher grade trunks. Predominant trunk provided the hardware and locks for this next trunks designed to meet the needs of the
lock makers of the day were Eagle Lock generation of larger and more durable and wealthy traveler away for an extended stay.
in Terryville, Connecticut, and Star Lock ornate travel trunks, including The Saratoga. Durability was key. Freight companies
in Philadelphia.

Circa 1880-1890
Trunk Factory workers.
Notice the Flattop (left)
and then two Monitor or
Waterfall trunks (center
Star Lock laches and lock dated 1869 and right) with varying
photo: Paul Norton degrees of embellishment.
Customization
Wealthier patrons wanted function,
design, and most importantly individuality.
Jenny Lind “hourglass” shapes were similar to
a keyhole or loaf of bread viewed from the
side, commonly 26 to 30 inches across. Jenny handling baggage to and from travel points and
carriage trunks were named after the famous The Saratoga the stacking of trunks for transport could easily
European opera star Jenny Lind. She arrived Starting around 1850, elite New Yorkers result in cave-ins and damage to lighter grade
in America in 1850 and toured extensively for and those traveling through New England trunks. Imagine three or four levels of loaded
PT Barnum. came to the Saratoga’s Spa City in upstate New trunks stacked in a ship’s hold or a railroad
Patent trunks became popular during the York by train and carriage for a weekend or baggage car. American travelers were on the
1850s because of the increased use of patented arrived to stay for “the season.” An entire sum- move and needed their belongings to arrive
hardware available to trunk makers from mer away from home meant hauling a whole safely. Updated designs included cast lid levelers
private firms. Various companies used similar summer wardrobe. And in the days before and heavier closures and locks to prevent lids
corner wheels, hinges, corners, and handle shorts and slip dresses, 19th century vacationers from opening. Rivets put through the wood
ends required on large trunks. needed some serious luggage. Fashionable balls frame to hold hardware on is a sure sign of an
and overnight stays required day and night out- overbuilt trunk. Later, Sample quality types
fits with separate hats for both men and used as many as 300 rivets for a single trunk.
women. Ladies were required to travel with Well-made custom trunks were considered
countless hats and gowns. Never mind the a display of status and success. Packing space
myriad of undergarments for the latest fashions saw
required. The grand Saratoga interiors become lighter
trunk, synonymous with high with carded tray covers
quality, met that need. decorated in flashy colors
Saratoga trunks started out with stamped and gilded
smaller in size for transport by trim. Linen rather than a
carriage. During the 1860s, basic paper lining was
with the expansion of more
direct railroad service, sturdy
and elaborate custom interiors
were designed to hold the
latest fashionable dresses and personal effects.
These popular trunks were spectacular on the
outside with their dome tops, leather straps,
custom locks, and collapsible handles that also
allowed for easier handling and stacking. On
the inside, personalization and beauty collided
with linen or cloth linings and personal touches
such as wooden compartments to hold hoop
skirts, corsets, and other required outfits, and
Circa 1850 “Hourglass” Saratoga trunks safe places to store valuables. Papers, calling
(top and right) photo: Paul Norton cards, and letters sent and received at destina-
tion stops along the journey were typically
The Next Level affixed to the upper compartment lid in a letter
With the change in travel destinations from pouch or with French crisscrossed cloth bind-
carriage and rail to ocean travel for completing ing. One myth tells that dome tops were devel-
a “Grand Tour,” boxier and smaller carriage oped because wealthy baggage owners wanted
trunks gave way to a dome top design popular an unstackable type on the top of the pile for Massive dome-top front to back slats trunk, circa
until about 1890. Also referred to as barrel tops easy retrieval. Domes were fancier and held 1875, 37” across. Elaborate interior, removable
and camelbacks, these larger travel trunks were various compartments easily. hatbox, trade cards, and trunk prints. photos: Paul Norton

46 Journal of Antiques and Collectibles