Antique Dome-Top Trunk w/ Faux Alligator Tin & Paper Lining

An antique dome-top travel trunk, constructed with a wooden frame and reinforced with iron strapping, featuring embossed tin panels in a faux alligator hide pattern. Vertical wood slats with pressed-metal trim add strength and decorative appeal. The trunk retains its original paper-lined interior with a repeating floral motif, complete with a removable tray for smaller belongings. A charming period chromolithograph of a child holding a cat is affixed inside the lid, a detail often found on late 19th century trunks.

This piece offers both display and storage potential, reflecting the craftsmanship of its era. A versatile collector’s item, it can serve as an authentic period accent or as a restoration candidate.

Condition:
Fair condition with finish wear and surface loss consistent with age. Handles are absent, lock lacks a key, and the interior paper lining shows age-appropriate wear, flaking, and seam separations. Metalwork and wood show oxidation and wear, though structure remains intact.

Dimensions:
Visible trunk size: 18.5" H x 28.5" W x 15.5" D
Removable tray: 5" H x 26.5" W x 15" D
(Campbell’s soup can in photos for scale.)