The image is fuzzy, but gives a good impression of what the trunk really looks like particularly since there is little camera flash reflection.

The working lock is brass plated and has 2 keys.

Another shot of the front of the trunk under different lighting conditions.

The transparent ruby red is accomplished with ink and lacquer over the original tin metal covering.

The hasp has some discoloration, but is smooth and is not rusty. Only with the camera flash would it look like this. The lid lift is solid brass and had to be coated with a transparent black paint and clear coated in order for it not to look too shiny.

The slats do not have any splits or repairs to them. The trunk is level and does not rock on a level surface.

The pine tray is original to the trunk but has had some repairs done to it. Originally it was covered with low grade wallpaper.

Left latch with Patent date of July 9, 1872.

The lid lift looks a little crooked, but that's how the original holes lined up. Notice that the rivets that attach the black dust banding have no paint on them other than a clear coat.

Top view of the trunk before the final cleanup of blemishes and discolorations.

The photograph was taken before the final cleanup and touchup.

Closeup view of rosette.

Backside view of trunk.

Closeup of new hinge to replace previous broken one. Painstakingly aged to look like it belongs on the trunk. To the left of the hinge is the trimmed part of the dust banding.

Closeup of original hinge. To the right of the hinge is the trimmed part of the dust banding.

The bottom slats are replacements. The wood has been aged and distressed to make it look old. Much of the structural integrity of the trunk comes from the bottom slats. The wheels are reproductions and have been clear coated with lacquer. To this day, more than 10 years later, none of the clear lacquer coat has rubbed off the wheels. An easy fix even if it does rub off. The slats had to be dug out so that the wheels could be recessed in the wood. It is the only spot on the trunk with screws. The slats were glued and then hammered on with specialized nails that curl in on themselves when hammered against a piece of heavy iron. A very tough fastener from another time period.

The old broken leather handles have been replaced with new heavy gauge ones. The strips have been dyed and waxed.

The handle covers have been cleverly painted in such a way as to look old. The highlights have had the paint rubbed off and polished.

The interior used to be wallpapered, but now it has been stained and finished with a satin polyurethane. Have heard that refinishing the interior would cause the trunk to twist and buckle because wood needs to breathe. This is certainly not true and not sure where or how this myth developed. More than a pint of wood glue was used in the repair of this trunk.

The lighting is unnatural and makes the finish look washed out.

Different lighting conditions. A more natural look to the interior.

Tray insert happens to be very solid and has original saw marks.

A reproduction lithograph which was glued onto the top then several coats of polyurethane coated on top of it so that it blends well with the wood finish.