19th Century Swiss Immigrant Travel Trunk / Blanket Chest

Description

A rare, one-of-a-kind antique, circa 1860, country Swiss folk decorated wood immigrant's trunk.

Hand-crafted in the Meilen region of Zürich, … more A rare, one-of-a-kind antique, circa 1860, country Swiss folk decorated wood immigrant's trunk.

Hand-crafted in the Meilen region of Zürich, Switzerland, in the mid-19th century, rectangular solid oak steamer trunk chest form with hinged lid top, opening to reveal spacious interior storage compartment fitted with smaller lidded compartment for valuables. The front facade featuring folky hand-painted polychrome decoration, reeded paneling, and geometric wooden molding ornamentation, flanked by iron handles, over scalloped skirt, rising on bracket feet. Signed with owners names, Meinlen, dated 1860.

Dimensions: (approx)
24" High, 54" Wide, 24.5" Deep

As warm and attractive as it is functional, having the ideal size and proportions for a variety of different uses, including as a blanket chest, coffee table, steamer side cabinet, marriage box - wedding hope chest, or farmhouse hall bench, to name just a few.

Overall a superb museum quality example, in Great original unrestored antique condition with beautifully aged warm rustic patina over the whole.

Retaining original antique character and charm throughout, all wear consistent with over 160 years of age and indicative of use, including trim losses, staining dark marks to top. Strong, sturdy, stable, and structurally sound. Presents splendidly.

Delivered cleaned, waxed, ready for immediate use and generational enjoyment! less