Help with info on this trunk

[Scratcher09]

I was picking up a cedar trunk from someone after seeing an ad on CL and I saw this old trunk sitting in a corner.  I am not knowledgable about antiques but I thought it was beautiful.  I convinced the owner to sell it to me along with the cedar trunk.  It has a wooden interior, metal hardware, metal paneling, and wooden exterior trim.  It appears to be very old.  The handles which I assume were leather are gone.  I would greatly appreciate any information as to the origin, age, or history of this trunk.

[mart]

There is a metal plate at the bottom  !!  What does it say ??  Many companies made these camelback trunks 1800`s and early 1900`s !!  Most families had at least one trunk of some type !!  There are companies that sell restoration handles ect for them or you might find them on ebay !!

[Scratcher09]

The plate on the front center towards the bottom is leather.  It is deteriorated and I can't make out anything if it was there at one time. 

[Scratcher09]

I have seen pictures of a few marten maier trunks that appear to have the same interior tray and hidden compartment in the lid and the same latch that allows the tray to go up with the lid.  But I have yet to find a trunk that has the same type of pad lock.  The lock is attached to the trunk with hardware.  It swivels up to lock.

[WinstonNorth]

Is the lock dated?

[Scratcher09]

I can not find any markings on any of the hardware.

[mart]

Usually is a brass plate,, but you never can tell !! Can you find anything written on the lock assembly ??  Sometimes they have the lock mfrs name that might help with dating !!

[Scratcher09]

After closely inspecting the lock I see that there are letters peaking out from under the crusty coating.  All I can see is "MAR".  I am curious as to what it says but apprehensive about scratching off the finish to see what it will reveal.  Any advise?

[KC]

I am making out a DMAR on the picture if that helps anyone.

[WinstonNorth]

Probably the remnant of a patent date.

"PATDMAR1878"

[WinstonNorth]

Found you lock. There is not much info on it but I'm still digging.

I think the patent date is March 1870 but not 100% sure.

[mart]

Could well be the pat date as WinstonNorth said,, Try taking a round wooden toothpick and chipping off enough of the old paint to see a bit more of what is written !! It will not hurt any value it may have !!  These old trunks are pretty easy to find and do not cost a lot so value is minimal !!

[KC]

The only trunk lock patented that I can find is this one
https://www.google.com/patents/US201480?dq=trunk+lock+patent+March+1878&hl=en&sa=X&ei=rnz6VMbPLYvEgwT7ioTYCw&ved=0CB0Q6AEwAA

[Scratcher09]

I picked away at the finish to reveal what the markings are.  Looks like "PAT.MAR.70".  I assume this confirms winstonnorth's findings.

[KC]

Is this Star lock the same?  Has same pat date!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ANTIQUE-VINTAGE-BRASS-STAR-LOCK-WORKS-SHACKLE-LEVER-LOCK-PAT-MAR-70-1870-PADLOCK-/141550320576?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20f50e7bc0&nma=true&si=DOluG0YRub6vpCdc4zoUhfAljKs%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557