How to Determine the Value of an Antique Trunk

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Identify and determine the worth of antique trunks

Co-authored by Raven Minyard, BA

Last Updated: April 29, 2024 Fact Checked

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• Types of Antique Trunks
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• Determining a Trunk’s Value
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• How to Choose a Valuable Trunk
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• Tips
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• Warnings

|Show more |Show less

Perhaps you’ve come into possession of an antique trunk and want to know what it’s worth, or maybe you’re beginning to collect antiques and want to make sure you’re paying a fair price. Valuing antique trunks can seem confusing if you’ve never done it before, but thankfully, there are plenty of ways to determine a trunk’s age, design, and value. In this article, we’ll teach you everything you need to know about how to value antique trunks, including design elements to look for, how to research prices, and common types of trunks.

Things You Should Know

• Check your antique trunk for damage like holes and dents. The more severe the damage, the less valuable the trunk is.
• Research famous brands and designers and compare the results to your trunk. This could help you determine its value.
• Examine the shape of your trunk’s lid to determine its design and age.

Steps

Section 1 of 3:

Types of Antique Trunks

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1. 1
   Dome Top Trunks Dome top trunks have high, arched lids and are typically made of embossed tin. Some designs feature extra compartments and wheels, and only the wealthy could afford their ornate designs.

   • Dome top trunks have an average valuation of $4000-$5000.
2. 2
   Flat Top Trunks Flat top, or steamer, trunks were designed for portability and to stack and store easily. As the name suggests, they have flat lids and are usually made with wood, leather, canvas, and metal detailing. Flat top trunks were common among the lower, lower-middle, and middle-classes.

   • Flat top trunks have an average valuation of $3000-$4000.
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3. 3
   Bevel Top Trunks Bevel top trunks fall under the dome or flat categories, but their ornate beveling sets them apart. While they were a practical option, their detail made them more expensive than less-ornate alternatives.

   • Bevel top trunks generally fall under the same price range as flat or dome tops.
4. 4
   Jenny Lind Trunks Inspired by a trunk owned by famous opera singer Jenny Lind, these trunks are curved around the center and resemble a loaf of bread. They’re typically made of leather with metal bands and studs.

   • Jenny Lind trunks have a relatively low value of about $600, as they tend to buckle and turn black with age.
5. 5
   Monitor Top Trunks Monitor top trunks feature a flat top with rounded edges. They were used for both practical purposes and for indoor decoration.
6. 6
   Saratoga Trunks Named after Saratoga, New York, a common vacation spot for the wealthy, these trunks have a domed top with decorative trim. They often include compartments and trays that could be used as a mini wardrobe.

   • Saratoga trunks can go for about $500-$600.
7. 7
   Slatted Trunks These trunks are made of thin, wooden slats placed side-by-side. They were commonly made out of oak and could feature flat, dome, or bevel tops. The detailed craftsmanship and sturdy construction kept them out of lower classes’ price range.

   • Slatted trunks are valued at about $2000-$3000.
8. 8
   Wall Trunks Wall trunks were specifically made for small spaces. They stand flat against the wall and open from the top for easy access.
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Section 2 of 3:

How to Determine the Value of an Antique Trunk

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1. 1
   Measure the dimensions. Antique trunks measuring 30 inches (76.2 cm) or under are often more valuable due to their convenient, portable size.
2. 2
   Determine the design type of the trunk. The design of your trunk can typically be determined by looking at the shape of the lid. Some trunks, like flat tops, are more valuable because their tops have extra storage space, and the style can also determine which time period during which the trunk was made.

   • Common antique trunk types include dome tops, bevel tops, flat tops, and Jenny Linds.
   • Examine features like hinges, locking mechanisms, and corner protectors to determine a specific model. Special features can also help you determine if you have an original or a reproduction, as originals typically have more detail.
3. 3
   Research famous trunk brands. Antique trunks are at least 100 years old by definition, so odds are, any paper tags or receipts displaying the brand have worn away. Sometimes, however, you can find a logo on the handle, or certain design features can indicate a specific brand or maker. Try researching some of these famous brands to see if your trunk matches any of their designs:

   • Clinton
   • Goyard
   • Hartmann
   • Louis Vuitton
   • Malloy
   • Martin Maier
   • Moynat
   • Oshkosh
   • Shwayder Trunk Company/Samsonite
   • Taylor
   • Truesdale
4. 4
   Check for damages and wear and tear. If your trunk is severely damaged, it can significantly decrease the value. Some wear and tear is normal, but look out for holes, dents, rust, and missing pieces.

   • If a trunk has been restored and refurbished, it can no longer be considered an antique, and its value may decrease. In some cases, however, you can still get a good price for a restored trunk.
5. 5
   Search for similar trunks on eBay or an antiques forum. By looking for other trunks online, you can get an idea of what trunks like yours are going for. Auction sites like eBay typically have a wide range of antiques, so you can find trunks with a similar size and shape, and you can visit an antiques forum for advice from antiques enthusiasts.

   • On eBay, do an advanced search for “antique trunk” and check the “sold listings” box. This way, you can see the prices other trunks sold for.
6. 6
   Consult an antiques specialist. If all else fails, have an expert look over your trunk. They may be able to tell you the trunk’s origins and give you an estimate of its value. Try to find a local antiques dealer who can examine the trunk in person for the best results.

   • To get an appraisal from an expert, you may need to pay for their services.
   • It’s better to have someone look at the trunk in person, as photos and descriptions can be difficult to examine.
   • If you can’t arrange an in-person appraisal, be sure to include high-quality photos and a detailed description of the trunk’s condition in your email or message.
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Section 3 of 3:

How to Choose a Valuable Trunk

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1. 1
   Try to find a trunk from the 1800s. Trunks from the 1870s to the 1890s are more valuable because they were handmade, whereas trunks from the 1900s were more commercialized. With unique carvings and details, these trunks can be valued at $20,000-$50,000.
2. 2
   Look for a trunk made of bare metal or wood. These materials indicate a hand finish, so they’re typically worth more than painted trunks, as handcrafted items are more rare and unique. They typically go for about $1000-$1200.

   • Black, brown, maroon, or golden trunks show an oxidized finish and also go for a better price than trunks painted orange or blue. The former go for $500-$1000, while the latter only go for about $80-$400.
3. 3
   Look for a trunk made out of animal hide. Trunks made from rare or exotic materials are more valuable than those made of common materials. Hide trunks are rare, customized, and handmade, so if you manage to get your hands on one, they can go for as much as $14,000-$20,000.

   • While trunks made of other materials aren’t as valuable as animal hide, you can still get $3000-$4000 for a trunk made of leather, wood, or zinc.
4. 4
   Check the trunk for extra functional features. If your trunk has additional features like hangers, drawers, and brackets, you might be able to get more money than if it only had the bare minimum. Trunks that are more functional are often valued at $2000-$3000.
5. 5
   Look for a trunk designed by Louis Vuitton. Of all the popular antique trunk brands, Louis Vuitton is by far the most valuable. A Louis Vuitton trunk can range from $3000 all the way to $20,000.
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Tips

• Remember to check the bottom of the trunk for hidden damage.
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• Check for serial numbers to determine the brand and design of your trunk.
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Warnings

• Be careful not to touch any mold on the inside of the trunk.
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• Watch for sharp corners and nails or tacks sticking out of the trunk.
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