Junkin’ Treasure…

This ‘treasure’ chest is on of my favorite pieces of furniture I own!  I purchased it to use as a coffee table when I was a single momma about eighteen years ago.  At that time in my life, I couldn’t afford anything new and fabulous ~ so I settled on this old trunk.  Well even when I grew up a little and was able afford something new ~ I couldn't part with it.  Not only because it’s a humbling reminder of where I’ve been, but also because over time I've realized that this is just an amazing find!

The locks are solid and in perfect working condition!

The leather carrying straps on both sides of the trunk are in fantastic and usable condition!

The inside of this beautiful piece of history, has five drawers lined with vintage floral paper and still hosts the original hangers inside. 

There are a couple travel stickers noted on the sides which give it character and show that it’s traveled at least somewhere. 

 

 

 

I did a little research on it because the original trademark tag is nailed to the side, which states  “The Beals & Selkirk Trunk Co. Wayandotte. Mich.” 

By no means do I think it has any sort of value outside of my home ~ what I have learned about the company “The Beals & Selkirk” is this… The company was founded in 1889 in Detroit before relocating to Wyandotte, Michigan a few years later. The trunks produced by Beals and Selkirk were considered to be amongst the finest of their time. These trunks were built to withstand the toughest of handling. They were reinforced with leather or metal corners, straps, bumpers. handles, hinges, and locks . After a fire and rebuild in 1902, these trunks were shipped nationwide. After the San Francisco earthquake in 1906 left thousands of people homeless, Beals and Selkirk sent 6 carloads of trunks.  By the 1920's, the Beals and Selkirk company shifted from trunks to handbags, appliance covers, and doctors' bags.

I adore this sweet ‘treasure’ chest! Today, it sits at the end of my bed in the master suite, I can promise you that it will always find a place in my home as it’s such a significant part of my past, present & future!

To see what I am linking to this week – please check my “Cottage Links” label…xoxo, tracie

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