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This Rare to find trunk is
commonly called a Half Trunk, Hat Box Trunk, or a Ladies Trunk due to
it's size. We found this trunk in Manitou Springs, Colorado
where it had been for many, many years. The trunk was painted white,
and after some time we decided to add it to our collection. After
owning it for some time, we realized that it was a very early trunk,
and then did research on the maker,
Charles
Bostwick, saddle ,harness, and trunk manufacturer,115 h 9 chapel
New Haven ,Conn. We found a lot of information about the Bostwick
Family starting with Arthur Bostwick (Bostock)
from County Cheshire, England, December 22, 1603. He emigrated
to this country in 1641-42, and located at Stratford, Connecticut,
being one of the first seventeen settlers of that town! We suddenly
realized that this was a Very special trunk, and we had to bring it
back to a wonderful state of beauty. We removed the paint, leaving
just some small flecks of the white paint as it would have been too
invasive to remove it all. We refinished the trunk inside and out,
Replaced the front straps with new reproductions, and had a top handle
made by a leather craftsman which we based on markings on the wood top
of the trunk.We added a photo image in the lid, and placed the
original 'Bostwick' label back inside. This trunk is a True Rustic
Beauty with wonderful finish and from a early American Family
with a tradition in Saddlery, Harness and Trunk building from the
first beginnings of the United States of America. If you are a lover
of Trunks, historical items, or a collector of Early Americana,
especially the Connecticut region, This trunk is most definitely a
Must have.
Dimensions are 18" wide, 16" deep (front to back, and 17 1/5" tall at
the top of the dome |
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Here is the condition we
received this trunk in before we refinished it. Although it was
originally covered in leather, it had been removed, and covered with
multiple layers of white paint. There were missing straps, a simple
strap replacement handle, and torn and stained interior fabric.
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