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How to Restore Antique Trunks, Antique Trunk Restoration, How To Refurbish Antique Steamer Trunks and Techniques with Before and After Restoration photo's.
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Remember! Only the rich can afford cheap restorations! So take your time, be thorough in removing the exterior and interior coverings, dont't cut any corners or take shortcuts! Ensure you remove the 100 year old "glue" and scrub the trunk with bleach and water inside and out. Let the trunk completely dry before sanding all the surfaces - and do sand it. Keep safe, be cautionary, and be certain to wear protective gear as noted below.
CLICK HERE FOR Fully Restored Antique Trunks and Antique Steamer Trunks - For Sale and Available NOW! Ready to Ship!
Necessary Legal Disclaimer and Word of Caution - Please Read First: Before even purchasing one of these unrestored antique trunks for restoration ensure you have a well ventilated area to do the work, preferably outside or in a large garage or shed. DO NOT bring an unrestored trunk into your home to either restore or to use as it has been tested that lead has been found in the waterproofing paint of canvas covered trunks, part of the restoration process is safely removing this canvas! Also, after 100+ years you do not know where it's been, in what condition or environment it was stored or used, what's been put into it, what kind of molds, bacteria, bugs/critters, mouse droppings, etc etc that could have been or still are present within the cracks and joints of the trunk. Remember, a primary and significant reason for a successful restoration is to remove all of these dangers to your home and health.
Before restoring one of these antique trunks ensure that you have available and wear a surgical grade paper mask or respirator, plastic gloves, and eye protection handy so when performing the restoration you do not inhale and injest any of the aforementioned agents, sawdust, as well as the "glue" which was used that will be present under the exterior and interior coverings. CAUTION: You must wear the surgical grade face mask or respirator when removing the outside canvas on any of these antique trunks since testing has shown that the paint used on the canvas for waterproofing contains lead!!!
For this reason The Pirate's Lair does not offer trunk restoration tools or parts as it cannot and does not want to be held legally or morally responsible for any potential health hazards or risks to people which may be incurred from restoring these antique trunks.
This "glue" must be removed since back in the 19th century it was made from either a horse or fish base which has now broken down into less than desirable components. Yes, it is gross but that's how they did it. This "horse or fish glue" along with the interior/exterior coverings has actually saved and preserved the beauty of the 100+ year old cured and seasoned wood. It just needs to be safely removed!
For modern day contemporary use all of these trunks must be properly cleaned and scrubbed inside and out with a cleaning/disinfecting solution, allowed to completely dry and lightly sanded, leathers removed and replaced, any lithographs professionally treated for preservation, and then the entire trunk sealed with multiple applications of spar varnish or similar wood/metal preservative treatment. We repeat, Never keep an unrestored trunk with an external canvas covering in your home or around children as it could leach lead dust and particles into the air and environment of your home.
We Offer The Below Photographic Historical Documentation To Help Emphasize The Importance and Significance In The Time Consuming Task Of "How To Restore Antique Trunks" or "Antique Trunk Restoration Techniques"!
CLICK HERE FOR Fully Restored Antique Trunks and Antique Steamer Trunks - For Sale and Available NOW! Ready to Ship!
BEFORE Trunk RESTORATION.......... ............ AFTER Trunk RESTORATION
Pirate's Lair Glossy 4 Panel Brochure in PDF
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The photo at left illustrates a completed antique trunk restoration of a traditional Dome Top or Hump Back Pirate Chest (or Pirate Treasure Chest) dated July 1, 1873! As you can see the body is made of either pine planks with decorative yet functional metal hardware. The wooden straps holding the pine wood body together are made of Oak.
Click Here to purchase the restored Antique Pirate Chests used as an illustration on How To Restore Antique Furniture, Restore Antiques and Antique Furniture Restoration and Antique Trunk Restoration of Nautical Furniture!
The rest of this page will help the reader to better understand how to restore antique trunks and antique furniture restoration in general, with an emphasis on how we at The Pirate's Lair put the very same care, attention to detail, and craftsmanship in the antique restoration process that was originally used a century and more ago when first producing these fine pirate chests and other vintage nautical furniture.
The antique trunk restoration process, especially antique furniture restoration takes many hours of carefully removing old and unusable canvas, cloth and paper linings; treat the wood using various non-toxic cleansers, oils and varnishes; fix or replace needed metal hardware, leather handles and straps; and carefully preserve any identifying drawings or graphics.
The photo at left shows the antique trunk as originally found in an attic of an old estate in South Carolina. Note the entire body of the antique chest was covered with a light colored canvas, both leather straps and handles were broken and rotted, buckles and hardware were scratched and corroded from age. Oak straps were dry and in need of a good sanding.
As typical, this 130+ year old antique trunk had a stale and musty odor from more than a century of collecting dust, mold, and mildew. Along with the deterioration of the outside canvas, leather and the inside paper lining. Keep in mind that the glue used to hold the canvas and paper was horse glue which was literally made from horses!
The image to the left illustrates a BEFORE photo of the chest showing the outside, inside, and the original tray insert which was made from a thin wood fiber or compressed sawdust type of material with a paper covering. Note the water or liquid stains on the inside of the chest, who knows what, where and how that happend.
Over time (as in 100 years or more!) biodegradable materials such as canvas, leather, paper, wood, horse glue, and other organic construction materials begin to break down and deteriorate. In fact, much of the glue used in these antique chests was made from horses and was unprocessed! This deterioration process typically consists of many conditions and factors such as dry rotting, collection of mold and dust, mildew when subjected to moisture or humid environments.
Part of the "how to restore antique furniture" and the entire antique restoration process is to stop further deterioration of the nautical furniture, and to eliminate and remove to such an extent as possible the collection of dust, mold and mildew causing musty odors and being environmentally pleasing.
The beginning of any Antique Furniture Restoration consists of removing all canvas and paper coverings and leather straps and handles. Washing the exposed wood in a special non-toxic solution to kill and remove dust, mold and mildew, then lightly sand both wood and hardware. Replace any broken hardware if necessary, replace all of the leather and make any other repairs utilizing the same types of tools, nails, tacks, and craftsmanship used when the chest was first made. The next step is to restore and seal the wood using special non-toxic restorative oils and varnishes in a slow, repetitive manner to bring out the beautiful luster and patina that only 100 year old wood can achieve. The last step is to bring back to the original color the metal hardware, fixtures, and any sheathing.
CLICK HERE FOR Fully Restored Antique Trunks and Antique Steamer Trunks - For Sale and Available NOW! Ready to Ship!
Canvas Partially Removed, Wood Showing... All Canvas, Paper, Leather, Glue Removed, Chest Washed... All Exposed Wood and Hardware Sanded with Final Wash
Necessary Word of Caution - Please Read: Before even purchasing one of these antique trunks for restoration ensure you have a well ventilated area to do the work, preferably outside or in a large garage or shed. DO NOT bring an unrestored trunk into your home to either restore or to use; as after 100+ years you do not know where it's been, in what condition or environment it was stored or used, what's been put into it, what kind of molds, bacteria, bugs/critters, mouse droppings, etc etc that could have been or still are present within the cracks and joints of the trunk.
Before restoring one of these antique trunks ensure that you have available and wear a surgical grade paper mask, plastic gloves, and eye protection handy so when performing the restoration you do not inhale and injest any of the aforementioned agents, sawdust, as well as the "glue" that will be present under the exterior and interior coverings.
This "glue" must be removed since back in the 19th century it was made from either a horse or fish base which has now broken down into less than desirable components. Yes, it is gross but that's how they did it. This "horse or fish glue" along with the interior/exterior coverings has actually saved and preserved the beauty of the 100+ year old cured and seasoned wood. It just needs to be safely removed!
For modern day contemporary use all of these trunks must be properly cleaned and scrubbed inside and out with a cleaning/disinfecting solution, allowed to completely dry and lightly sanded, leathers removed and replaced, any lithographs professionally treated for preservation, and then the entire trunk sealed with multiple applications of spar varnish or similar wood/metal preservative treatment.
BEFORE - Showing Inside Paper, Old Leather, and Original Tray Insert ..... AFTER - Showing All Wood, New Leather, New Custom Made Wooden Tray Insert
Note: When applicable we typically ship the original trays and inserts at customers request at no additional charge!
Front View. Here we have the BEFORE photo to the left and the AFTER photo to the right for Trunk #317. Originally this trunk was covered in hand tooled leather which needed to be removed due to its deterioration after 130+ years!
Side View. Here we have the BEFORE photo to the left and the AFTER photo to the right for Trunk #317. In the Before Photo you can see where the leather has been removed with a remnant left that had stenciled the original owners name!
Here you will see placed in one of our custom built wooden trays an assortment of tools, hardware, tacks and nails, and leather handles used during the restoration process.
Note that wood screws were never used during the construction process of these chests so as not to damage or split the wood. Nails and tacks were used in such a manner as to "curve the tip" as it penetrated the wood which kept everything secure. We use the same process today at The Pirate's Lair!
At the Pirate's Lair we strive to ensure authenticity in our antique restorations down by using the exact same tools and practices utilized by the original craftsmen.
The above photo's illustrate various views and aspects of the restored chest.
Click Here for authentic vintage and antique Nautical Trunks Already Restored!
The photo to the left illustrates a typical "Captain's Cabin" home office of antique nautical furniture consisting of an authentic WW2 Liberty Ship Wooden Hatch Cover restored into a Desk and two restored antique Pirate Chests to hold office hanging file folders and papers, stationary and envelopes, check books and financial papers, tape dispenser, stapler, pens and pencils.
Necessary Word of Caution - Please Read: Before even purchasing one of these antique trunks for restoration ensure you have a well ventilated area to do the work, preferably outside or in a large garage or shed. DO NOT bring an unrestored trunk into your home to either restore or to use; as after 100+ years you do not know where it's been, in what condition or environment it was stored or used, what's been put into it, what kind of molds, bacteria, bugs/critters, mouse droppings, etc etc that could have been or still are present within the cracks and joints of the trunk.
Before restoring one of these antique trunks ensure that you have available and wear a surgical grade paper mask, plastic gloves, and eye protection handy so when performing the restoration you do not inhale and injest any of the aforementioned agents, sawdust, as well as the "glue" that will be present under the exterior and interior coverings.
This "glue" must be removed since back in the 19th century it was made from either a horse or fish base which has now broken down into less than desirable components. Yes, it is gross but that's how they did it. This "horse or fish glue" along with the interior/exterior coverings has actually saved and preserved the beauty of the 100+ year old cured and seasoned wood. It just needs to be safely removed!
For modern day contemporary use all of these trunks must be properly cleaned and scrubbed inside and out with a cleaning/disinfecting solution, allowed to completely dry and lightly sanded, leathers removed and replaced, any lithographs professionally treated for preservation, and then the entire trunk sealed with multiple applications of spar varnish or similar wood/metal preservative treatment.
BELOW ARE SOME ADDITIONAL BEFORE AND AFTER HOW TO RESTORE ANTIQUE TRUNKS and TRUNK RESTORATION OF A SMALL DESKTOP 16x11x11 TRUNK:
Above is front view of Trunk #326 Before and After.
Above is side and 3 quarter front view of Trunk #326 Before and After.
Above is side and 3 quarter front view of Trunk #326 Before and After.
Above is Open with Liftout Tray view of Trunk #326 Before and After.
BELOW ARE SOME BEFORE AND AFTER PHOTOS OF RESTORED ANTIQUE TRUNK #336 - FANTASTIC TRANSFORMATION!
What a transformation! The previous owner of #336 did not even recognize this trunk which his family had since he was young boy and grew up with!
What a GREAT Home or Office Nautical Gift Idea for the most discerning CEO, Yachtsman, Waterfront Homeowner, Yacht Club, Military or Naval Officer!
If it is the Pirate Theme or Nautical Furniture Decor you are seeking then there is nothing like authentic and real 100 year old restored antique furniture that can ONLY be found at The Pirate's Lair!
You can now have and afford a piece of real Nautical and Naval History. Who knows where these 19th Century Chests and WW2 Hatch Covers have been and sailed to? What oceans, seas, wars and battles, deaths and births they have been witness to. These Captains Sea Chests and Pirate Treasure Chests are original 19th century nautical chests and trunks each having its own unique look and history! with a unique nautical theme and pirate decor are truly "treasure chests".
The Pirate's Lair now offers you these affordable restored antique Pirate Treasure Chests, Captain's Sea Chests, Nautical Desks, Steamer Trunks, and Coffee Tables from restored WW2 U.S. Navy Liberty Ship Hatch Covers as a unique way to furnish your home or office! Use the chests to hold hanging folders and files instead of metal cabinets. Store desktop clutter such as pens, paperclips, staplers, tape dispensers, letter openers, and even your Notebook PC in our custom designed Tray Insert!
These Pirate Chests could also be used as Silverware and China Chests to store your U.S. Navy China. The nautical decor is right out of "Master and Commander" or "The Pirates of the Caribbean", but these no movie props they are the real deal!
Pictured to the left are Vintage Nautical 6' Coffee Tables and a Nautical 10' Dining Room Table salvaged from the cargo holds of 65 year old WW2 Liberty Ship Wooden Hatch Covers and are now available to you at The Pirate's Lair!
Click HERE to Review how this and other of our Pirate Chests, Treasure Chests, and Antique Chests were Restored, our Antique Restoration Process, and How To Restore Antique Nautical Furniture!
Rare 1880 to Early 1890's Photograph of Antique Trunk Factory and Workers Using Albumen Silver Print Method, Mounted to a Period Board Which Dates The Photo Note the Flatop and Two Monitor or Waterfall Trunks, Each Being Individually Unique at the Very Time of Production. |
Click Photo For Larger View and More Historical Information! |
The Pirate's Lair Exclusive! We all romanticize about the mystique of these antique trunks. The possible owners and travels that each steamer trunk has taken, along with the high level of detailed craftsmanship in the original production of each and every steamer trunk with that individualized character giving both intrinsic and non-intrinsic value. |
However the truth of the matter is that the majority of these trunks were made towards the middle to end of the 19th century just at the dawning of the industrial revolution here in America when there were no child labor laws or protections. This rare photo clearly illustrates at least 3 generations of owners and workers, ages appearing to range from pre-teen/adolescent, teens/early adult, through middle to old age!
It was a common practice that loyal and productive craftsmen would be allowed to bring their children to work with them to learn a craft, so many of the children in this photograph were more than likely sons of the men shown. |
Note the adolescent factory workers on top row! Note that there are no women in the photo! This is due to the fact that at that time "proper" women did not work outside of the home, certainly not in a factory. Everybody appears to look pretty stern, having on their arms crossed and "work" faces put on. Copy of Photo On Request With Every Trunk Purchase |
OPTIONAL - Trunk Wood Engraving Examples and Prices Custom Designed, Handcrafted, and Hand Lettered in Caligraphy on your Antique Chest |
Click Here To Review Sample Engravings |
Personalize Your 100+ Year Old Antique Trunk in Perpetuity! |
Antique Trunks as a Shadow Box and Storage Chest! Customer Photographic Examples of our Antique Trunks Being used as a Military or Naval Retirement Shadow Box and Storage Chest!! |
Click Here for Sample Shadow Box Photographs From Customers |
Why just get a shadow box or a newly made trunk with no history! One of our 100+ Year Old Nautical Antique Trunks can be used for both a Shadow Box and Storage Chest for your Uniforms, Photograph Albums, and Memorabilia! |
Rare 1880 to Early 1890's Photograph of Antique Trunk Factory and Workers Using Albumen Silver Print Method, Mounted to a Period Board Which Dates The Photo Note the Flatop and Two Monitor or Waterfall Trunks, Each Being Individually Unique at the Very Time of Production. |
Click Photo For Larger View and More Historical Information! |
The Pirate's Lair Exclusive! We all romanticize about the mystique of these antique trunks. The possible owners and travels that each steamer trunk has taken, along with the high level of detailed craftsmanship in the original production of each and every steamer trunk with that individualized character giving both intrinsic and non-intrinsic value. |
However the truth of the matter is that the majority of these trunks were made towards the middle to end of the 19th century just at the dawning of the industrial revolution here in America when there were no child labor laws or protections. This rare photo clearly illustrates at least 3 generations of owners and workers, ages appearing to range from pre-teen/adolescent, teens/early adult, through middle to old age!
It was a common practice that loyal and productive craftsmen would be allowed to bring their children to work with them to learn a craft, so many of the children in this photograph were more than likely sons of the men shown. |
Note the adolescent factory workers on top row! Note that there are no women in the photo! This is due to the fact that at that time "proper" women did not work outside of the home, certainly not in a factory. Everybody appears to look pretty stern, having on their arms crossed and "work" faces put on. Copy of Photo On Request With Every Trunk Purchase |
The Pirate's Lair
Division of DataCity, Inc.
78 Canterbury Drive
Stafford, Virginia 22554
Phone: 540-659-6209
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how to restore antique trunks and steamer trunks, dome top or flat top restored and refurbished trunks.