Trunk

I love old trunks... you can find them for pretty cheap at flea markets or maybe a yard sale. For a smaller beat up trunk with leather pealing and missing shelving inside do not pay more than 20-25 dollars for it. For a more decent piece with partial/full stickers still attached but still with some ware and tear, about 40 dollars. Also, ALWAYS try to negotiate the price!! I always try to lowball the price and then play the "I am new at this game" in order to ward off any offense I may have caused. I also point out all the things wrong with the piece to make my case. If you are looking for a specific trunk, some are more valuable than others and it's worth doing your research ahead of time!

Once you bought your trunk, it is easy to clean it up. Using mild water and a soft cloth wipe down the trunk. Then using fine steal wool and butchers wax thinly smooth on the wax on all parts of the trunk, the wood, metal and leather. Avoid the stickers and latches. This is a cheap way to protect the trunk and bring out a richer color! I do not have a before/after picture, but the leather looked grey in comparison!

I originally bought the trunk for a coffee table... but it is too large. It's now our media center! Lesson learned, write your desired measurements down before you go out scouting! Lastly, after you bought your trunk do your research on it. I was ecstatic to learn that my trunk was made locally in CT!