Common Trunk Makers and Their History
For years, we’ve been gathering information about the most common trunk makers from years past. If we see a label on a truck or an advertisement in a magazine, we’ll put it here! You can also contribute by sending in a picture of a trunk label or something invigorating, please feel free to share it at trunks@brettunsvillage.com.
Trunk Makers
& Bags | and sold many trunks and also suitcasesmany of the cases were covered with walrus leather.They called their company the ABC of Trunks and Bags (for Abel Bach Co.) Some labels |
a brass tag on top | |
Boston; formerly John Baker & Co trunks & saddlery | |
wardrobe trunks and suitcases | |
(1930s?) trunks, usually covered in black trunk fibre | |
Lowell, Mass, est 1839 | |
Cincinatti, OH | |
San Francisco | |
Satchels, Established 1832, NE Corner of 13th & Sansom Streets, PhiladelphiaThanks to Kathy S for this one!
| |
of and Dealer in lap robes, trunks, bags, blankets, and general horse furnishings”48 Fairfield AveBridgeport, Conn.
| |
for this one | |
Co | |
trunks in the 1920s and 1930s.See some old magazine ads here
| |
in excellent condition made in 1880 at the Austin Trunk Factory, Austin TX. The address reads 611 Congress St. The street is now called Congress Avenue. It’ a round top with a woman’s picture and the maker’s logo has a cartoon man with an alligator. You may want to add the maker to your list since it’s not there yet. Best regards, -Matt Hall” Thanks, Matt!
| |
and harness maker, 9½ S. 4th StreetShown in 1825 Philadelphia City Directory(Special thanks to Matt Ainslie for providing info on makers from Philadelphia)
| |
Sons | for All Types of Travel |
Co. | House, Sole Leather Trunks150 Tremont Street, Boston, est 1826
|
brass tag) Philadelphia | |
Trunks & Bags | on handle end caps |
& Travelling Bag Co. | Mass. |
label inside says Order #___ with trunk numberMinneapolis
| |
This trunk made expressly for Bates & Co., Leading dealers in Trunks, Boots, Shoes, Hats, Militaria, and BagsSomersworth, New Hampshire
| |
Co | Michigan – a large company with a lot of employees.See some old photos and labels here
|
and Co. | |
NYThis company made quite a few trunks. More info here
| |
Label:“Manufacturers and Repairers of Sole Leather Trunks, Fancy Trunks, Valises, Carpet Bags, Dress Trunks, and Sample Cases, &c” Verified to be in business
| |
Thanks to Del Vosburg | |
1800s, LondonMany thanks to Paula for contributing this one
| |
and end caps | |
Biltmore Trunk Co | Frank Piteo started working at Biltmore in 1985 and is still making quality trunks
|
May have been a retailer, or perhaps a descendant of Buffalo Trunk Mfg. Co. | |
Trunk Maker2713 Lincoln Ave, Chicago Thanks to Renelle U. for sending this one to us!
| |
Indianapolis, Indiana – thanks!)
| |
the owner of Books Trunk Co. Books and Jackson Co. between 1904 and 1942. He was born on August 28, 1879 in Huntingdon County, PA. Books married Vesta May Stofer on September 27, 1905. They had two kids, Otho Samuel Books and Marjorie May Books. Otho Leslie Books died on February 27, 1905, in San Diego, CA (submitted by Susie K. –
| |
Providence, Rhode Island | |
around in 1902. See their building here.Thanks to Cathy G. for discovering this company and passing along the info to us. | |
St.Thanks to Andy M. for discovering this company and passing along the info to us.
| |
Philadelphia City Directory | |
German immigrant who was a furniture/coffin maker) incorporated his growing business in 1906 as the Buffalo Trunk Manufacturing Company. He was however making trunks, (and much more) starting around 1879.Thanks very much to Charity Disbrow for sending this one in
| |
moved to Tremont Street, Boston 1850s | |
to Congress Street, Boston, 1840s, 1850s | |
Wisc.Black canvas trunks, many were very, very largeGeorge always signed the inside label that described the company’s history
| |
Many sizes of common trunks | |
Co | coatingsOur pal Grant Rice found a wardrobe trunk made by C&M with NYC on the tag. Thanks, Grant!
|
Brass button trunks, also made shoes | |
in the 1920s and 30sThanks to Andy M. for discovering this company and passing along the info to us.
| |
377 N 2d StreetShown in 1825 Philadelphia City Directory
| |
Scott & Co. | Madison, Wisconsinand Wabash Avenue, Chicago“Fine Leather and Travel Goods of All Types”
|
of Vaudeville Trunks | |
Leather Trunks & Luggage Products” | |
on lid tells who gave/received trunk | |
in 1856 | |
CityThanks to Andy M. for discovering this company and passing along the info to us.
| |
Company | Louisville, KentuckyGoods to Order, Trunks, Valises, & Traveling BagsThanks to Donald Driver for sending this one in.
|
Label states “Made of Basswood” | |
Clinton, Massachusetts | |
sold trunks amde by others. | |
Baltimore “Manufacturer of Trunks of Every Description for Traveling, Packing, and Domestic Use”This guy also patented some guns
| |
Chicago, ILOperating in the 1860Special thanks to Sara V. for sending this info to us!
| |
in business 1838 | |
trunks New York City | |
Sons | Made to Order” |
Established 1900 | |
a lion standing next to it) | |
Street (also listed as such in this location in 1823 dir.)Shown in 1825 Philadelphia City Directory
| |
Los Angeles | |
Columbus, Ohio Makers of Fireproof Wardrobe Trunks(asbestos inside)
| |
Bag Co | (part of Seward?) – wardrobes |
Ave, Minneapolis, MNThanks to Wanda M for contributing this maker to our list | |
Co. | Brass Tag on top. Tel Main-5987Thanks to Warren Behm for this one.
|
Street, ChicagoTrunks, Traveling Bags, Ladies Satchels, Etc.Sent in by Tim Harris. Thanks!
| |
No. 642 Main St. TERR HAUTE Ind. Sent in by Michael Holmes – Thanks!
| |
YorkTrunks, Bags, Hat Cases, &c
| |
est. 1830 Burlington, Vermont | |
patent #16118 | |
Co(also Mendel-Drucker)
| trunks913 Broadway, Cincinatti These trunks usually have his ‘D’ with a Lion and the words “Beauty and
|
StreetShown in 1825 Philadelphia City DirectoryListed as a glass silverer on S. 6th St. in 1805, but had become a trunk maker at the address above by
| |
and CoTrunk Makers
| trunks with leather straps |
Date Dec 7, 1880LJD on metal corners
| |
Wall trunks, patent dates | |
or soNewark, NJThanks to Sommer for sending this one in!
| |
Trunk Co | Detroit, MIPatent date found on labels: May 25,1926
|
Patent TrayOperated by Smith Brothers in OshKosh, WisconsinLater became OshKosh Trunk Co.
| |
Patent TrayOperated by Smith Brothers in OshKosh, WisconsinLater became OshKosh Trunk Co.
| |
his own (see Winship) | |
Co. | Trunks & Cases a Specialty” |
& Company | |
Factory | |
and Bag Co. | Chicago, Illinois Blue metal, lock by EagleSent in by Rebecca Haas – thanks a million!
|
Trunk Co. | NW Corner of 3rd & Felix Streets |
in New York City | |
Co | IN Thanks to TJ Bynum for this one
|
made wardrobes Founded by Goldsmith, along with Neverbreak, Nevermar, and others
| |
Sons | September 4, 1883Most have brass plate on front, some are sole leatherSome tags and labels are posted here
|
these – strange lid configurationPatented March 1, 1887, Buffalo, NY
| |
Bag Co. | |
Alley(listed as such but in Rose Alley in 1823 dir.)Shown in 1825 Philadelphia City Directory
| |
Co. | |
Co. | 1868 |
Co | Canvas Covering |
two companies shared the same address in Baltimore | |
and Valises” Kansas City MOThanks to Cynthia Wong for sending this one in.
| |
Maker | Canvas covered box trunks |
I. | |
& Co. | Indianapolis |
Trunk Company | |
& Bag Co. | 8th Street“Manufacturer of Fine Traveling Trunks, Bags, Satchels, etc.” |
Co. | 8th Street, New York“Manufacturer of Fine Traveling Trunks, Bags, Satchels, etc.”
|
Co. | Son. Props604 W. Girard avenue – 1011 N.6 th st., Philadelphia
|
312 Market Street, Philadelphia. 1878 catalog shows Bridal trunks, Saratoga trunks, Monitor trunks, etc.Thanks to Marvin of ThisOldTrunk.Com for sending this one in
| |
trade names, including Neverbreak, Nevermar, Everlast, mostly in the 1910s to 1940s. In the 1940s Goldsmith made footlockers under contract to the US Army
| |
dresser trunksThanks to Andy M. for discovering this company and passing along the info to us. | |
with brass buttons and corners. Red criss-crossed ribbons on underside of lid | |
in 1873 (thanks, Hope!)Hip-roof style trunks
| |
and BagsThought by some to be a retail store only. No patents.
| |
Co. | trunks in the 1920s |
least part of their business was selling USA-made trunkswhich perhaps helps explain how so many immigrants had trunks made in the US. Thanks to Andy M. for discovering | |
Bag Co | manufacturing to Seward, common trunk styles |
Trunk Advertisements, Postcards, Labels, etc.
These old wardrobe trunks were made by Autorobe. These were designed just for trips by auto – sized correctly to fit in your trunk. The car’s trunk I mean. Your trunk in the car trunk. Got it? Confusing, but it all makes sense when you try to drive a trunk, or …forget it. These were made in Virginia beginning in | |
Belber made loads of suitcases and wardrobe trunks, starting before the turn of the last century. Their wardrobe trunks were very well made. They even marketed a line of collapsible hangers, made of rope as shown in the ad on the right. For more on Belber click here. | |
& Co. Early to mid-1800s, harness maker who made trunks as a sideline. | |
Apparently this guy made trunks in New Bedford, Mass. We’ve only seen his advertising card, never have been able to find a trunk with his label on it. | |
Wall trunks were made by several companies, most famous of which was the M.M. Secors line. Duguid Brothers were less well known, and their trunks sold more to the middle class of travelers. Not steerage, not sunny topside, right smack amidships. Handy for pushing against the wall in a small room. | |
or H.G. FABER AND SONS Made in Utica, New York, starting in 1890. They made trunks from several varieties of wood, including mahogany, teak, pine, oak, birch, and ash. Maybe others that we haven’t seen yet. Usually has a brass tag on the outside, near the lock. More tags and labels are posted here. | |
CO. Find one of these old Florida Trunks and you’ve got a keeper on your hands. Many of them were covered in real alligator skin, straight from right about where the Miami Dolphins play now. They advertised by sending out these postcards all over the east coast. We believe they operated from about 1925 until around 1948. | |
A very popular name in trunks, bags, traveling cases and the like. Still in business today. Most of these ads shown here are from the 1920s. We’re not experts on Hartmanns. The people who really know Hartmann stuff know it inside and out. Who are they? Darned if we know. Hartmann is still in business, and you | |
Old Homer and his folks made wall trunks and dresser trunks out in Toledo, Ohio. Dresser trunks open up as shown in the old ad here. Drawers slide out, compartments open. Very handy. These trunks are a bit rare. Started in 1904 or so. | |
Yes, these trunks were very hard to break or damage. Of course, they looked awful, but they lasted. Responding to a more thrifty America, Indestructo competed with Neverbreak, Nevermar, Nevercrack, Travel-Well, and a few others to make trunks that had no appeal but would last forever. 1920s. Don’t spend too much for these. | |
CO. My old pal Hank made some wonderful trunks in his day, which was back in the mid-1800s. Started around 1840. Based in Rochester, NY, Likly trunks were known for their good looks and functional elements. They made wardrobe trunks, overnite bags, valises, standard box trunks, and even some hatboxes. Look for the original brass tag, as shown. | |
Operating in San Francisco starting back in 1868 – still in business today as Malm Luggage. Visit them by clicking here. | |
CO. Before they were known for their department stores, Marshall Field made a lot of trunks. Mostly all standard box trunks, a little short in snappy features, but they worked and lasted well. Covered trays were standard issue. Started late 1800s, made trunks up until the 1940s, as near as we can tell. | |
Secor made the Champion Wall Trunk, which was a good seller for the company, along with many other styles. Probably responsible for the manufacture of millions of trunks. Based in Racine, Wisconsin. Started business in 1862, patented wall trunks in 1894, 1895, and 1897. Many of his wall trunks had a ‘hip-roof’ style, like the barns you’d see if you were out there in Wisconsin. Maybe he was inspired. Matej Zika (1843-1911) of | |
CO. Smack in the middle of Boston there was a two-block area where trunks were being made by several different shops – it was a heated competition. Neat competed with Burr and many others, vying for market share. Most of Nate’s trunks were black – achieved with a thick, soupy aniline dye. He had high employee turn-over. Started business, as near as we’ve been able to tell, around 1822. We think he closed up in 1847 or so. | |
Two factories, one in Madison, the other in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Started business in 1912, and stuck it out for many years. They made suitcases, wardrobes, and smaller bags. Built to last, and very attractive. If you find one of these it’s usually in very good condition. | |
P&S had this unique yellow lithograph inside each of their trunks. It says “Trunks that Wear Everywhere” and their trunks usually are showing some wear just about everywhere, but we don’t think they meant it that way. Late 1800s to early 1900s. | |
& Bag From Fremont Street right in downtown Portland, Maine, operating from about 1800 until who knows when. This label was a bit garish, wouldn’t you say? If you’ve seen the picture on our home page (the trunk with the pumpkins behind it), that trunk was a Reynolds. | |
Trunks, bags, valises, military and fire caps, belts, etc. Boston-based, operating in the mid 1800s. Roulstone took over as successor to Robert Burr on Tremont Street in Boston. | |
SEWARD TRUNK AND BAG CO. Claiming to be the largest baggage co. in the world, Seward was based in Petersburg, VA. Postcard shows the factory. Price list above from 1904 shows trunk prices averaging around $2.00. Middle-class trunks, nothing too elaborate. Still in business today; their footlockers may be purchased at large stores such as WalMart and others. | |
Producing highly expensive bags, purses, and traveling cases (including trunks) from Paris and London, old Louie really made a name for himself. These are sort of the big money trunks in this game. Some are worth tens of thousands of $, and even some very beat up Vuittons sell for around $1,000. There are many experts on Vuittons, but we are not one of them. We learn a little more every time one of them shows up in the shop. Vuitton is still in business; they have a website that provides some history of the company. | |
Producers of fine wardrobe trunks and smaller bags that looked like trunk/suitcase hybrids. 1930s. | |
The Trunk with Drawers Winship was one of the very first makers | |
Our complete
| list contains over 400 trunk makers – Holy Moly! |