Antique Flying Stork Canvas and Wood Steamer Trunk with Brass Fittings

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Description

Reinforcing curved wooden battens run across the exterior of this travel trunk, securing the brown canvas-covered body and terminating in … Read more Reinforcing curved wooden battens run across the exterior of this travel trunk, securing the brown canvas-covered body and terminating in heavy brass corner caps. The box is constructed on a timber frame designed for transit, fastened with regular dome-head rivets along each batten. A pair of painted horizontal stripes in faded green and red traces across the front, lid, and side panels, a classic owner or transit identification marking commonly applied during passenger liner and rail journeys. The exterior retains its central brass lever lock plate alongside two sprung catch latches positioned near the outer corners. An auxiliary metal hasp provides additional closure security across the upper rim. Sturdy dark edge binding protects the corners and lid seam, while a thick riveted leather grab handle survives on the side end panel for manual handling. The top of the lid bears an applied paper identification label printed with the name 'm. C. Duncan jones'. Inside, the trunk is fully lined in natural pale cotton fabric, retaining an open main cavity and an integrated narrow side compartment fitted along the right-hand edge. Preserved cloth tie-down webbing with buckles remains anchored to the bottom and inner wall to secure packed clothing during movement. A red fabric stay cord attaches the hinged domed lid to the back wall to prevent overextension when opened. Measuring 41 cm in height, 76 cm in width, and 51 cm in depth, this piece probably dates from the early twentieth century. Its flat-topped proportions and robust joinery offer practical interior storage while functioning naturally as a distinctive coffee table, low bench, or end-of-bed blanket box in an interior setting. See less