Antique Chest with Painting Inside

[kg988]

I have this antique trunk and I am seeking as much information as possible about it. How old? What country? The profile of someone who would have owned this type of trunk? etc..

I think it is made from balsam (or similar type) of wood because it is extremely light.

The hinges and rivets look hand hammered.

Inside, it is lined with paper and has a picture in the middle of the lid.  Does this picture give any clues as to what country it was made in? 

Please follow the links to see some pictures of it:

http://imageshack.us/f/717/dsc3023k.jpg/
http://imageshack.us/f/163/dsc3022z.jpg/
http://imageshack.us/f/580/dsc3021q.jpg/
http://imageshack.us/f/580/dsc3020.jpg/
http://imageshack.us/f/717/dsc3019x.jpg/
http://imageshack.us/f/834/dsc3018j.jpg/
http://imageshack.us/f/804/dsc3024m.jpg/

[hosman321]

Quite a beautiful trunk you have there! These were mass produced, probably by the millions and are still very common despite their age. As far as I know, most of them were made in America but they were also made across the pond (Europe) as well. I think it would be rather difficult to know exactly where it was made if it does not have a maker's mark or label. Sometimes the metal parts have a hidden patent date or name, you may have to look very carefully at each metal part. Yours appears to be in great shape for it's age (late 1800s-early 1900s) and would be worth about $125-$200 depending on the trunk's size and your location. Where are you located? Thanks for posting!
By the way, many of them lose the tray on the inside over the years and people want that tray! Make sure they stay together.

[kg988]

Thank you for taking a look.

I live in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.  This trunk was found in Cornwall, Ontario, which is an old city port city on the St. Laurence (founded 1784) and borders with the U.S.  It was probably bought at a garage sale by my grandmother from someone with French heritage, but the picture on the inside looks very eastern European to me. 

The trunk measures about 32"L x 18"W x 19"H.

I cannot find a makers mark, but the bottom has " 3/300 " chalked on it  The " / " is very rounded, almost like " ) " (not sure if this stylistic rounded slash may give a hint as to country of origin). 

[sapphire]

kg, without a makers mark likely the only other clue you would have would be on the lock (language/patent date). It appears that much of the metal has been painted over, so without magnification, good light and maybe a bit of sanding you would have trouble locating that as well.  The trunk I picked up (garbage day in NS) was marked on the main lock.....giving me at least a 'not before' date. Other than that any marks or labels had disappeared. Mine did have an old hand written shipping address in pencil on a heavy paper label nailed to the top giving the name of a previous owner.

With a bit of work that trunk of yours would be a stunning accent piece for your home.