I am proud to showcase an extraordinary oak slat trunk with a fabulous interior that has been carefully designed and hand-built by master cabinet-maker and craftsman, and my close personal friend John Head. Using a rare original Excelsior slat trunk, circa 1860's -1870’s  as the model, John used many authentic antique trunk hardware items, plus new oak slats and other parts, to skillfully produce a masterpiece that rivals the Victorian era “high grade” trunks. Every detail of this trunk reveals the high quality materials and workmanship and many hours of time devoted to making a fine “work of art” that is sure to become a limited edition collector’s item. I have thoroughly inspected this unique trunk and give it my seal of approval in regards to design, quality, and workmanship. The trunk measures 21½ inches tall, by 18 inches wide, by 31½ inches long, by 14 inches deep. This trunk has been made using the following genuine antique parts: working lock and key, two front catches, bottom rollers, hinges, handle holders, The slat braces and corner bumpers are new reproduction of Victorian period solid brass. The rest of the parts including exterior slats, sheet metal, and handles are new. The trunk is constructed just like the 120 year old models, with solid oak slats attached over a thick pine base, sheet metal edging and bottom, iron lid banding, with a wooden interior tray which is totally fabric covered. The trunk has been finished with several coats of very durable, water resistant gloss Minwax tung oil varnish.

The wonderful interior was designed after the fashionable trunks of the 1860's &1870’s period, which has a lift out tray with a covered hat or shoe compartment. John has included his own trunk makers’ label in the lid, as did the trunk makers of the 1800’s. A beautiful Victorian style  fabric was chosen to line the entire interior. There are authentic style leather lifters for the compartment lids with small brass hinges. The trunk is very strong and heavy due to all of the extra wood that an average trunk did not have. The thick leather handles are beautifully shaped and dyed to look as authentic as possible. There are two strong hinges for the lid, and over 850 brass tacks adorning the trunk.

Oak slat trunks are considered by most trunk collectors and restorers to be the rarest, highest quality, and most sought after trunks. They were made by a few trunk companies during the late 1800’s, with the most famous being the Excelsior Trunk Company. Most trunks were covered with either canvas type fabric, leather, metal, or paper. The value of these trunks have increased quickly over the last few years as collectors are trying to find slat trunks for their own homes. As with any antique, the value is based on condition, finish, completeness, age, rarity, and even location, and most slat trunks have commanded very high prices.

Please review the pictures and feel free to send any questions that you may have. This trunk is very heavy, so we recommend picking it up rather than shipping. Delivery can be arranged within 60 miles of Boston for a fee. If shipping is required, it can be specially packed and sent by FedEx Ground or Greyhound Express. The rate will be determined by your location, but would probably range from around $50 to $80, so please check with us for details. Please do realize that this is basically a new trunk with antique hardware. It is probably as close as possible to what the antique trunks must have looked like when they were new. A beautiful collector’s item which has many practical uses.