The first trunks made in America date to the late 17th century and were quite primitive. They were crafted from locally available lumber and covered with animal skins. Hide-covered trunks remained popular into the 18th century, becoming more ornamental with the addition of decorative hardware and trim. These early trunks were made with both flat and rounded tops.
Leather covered trunks with heavy iron bands and large brass studs became popular in the mid 19th century. With the heavy brass studs representing gold nuggets, this style became known as the gold rush trunk. The moniker gold rush trunk was not given solely for aesthetic reasons, as this trunk style became popular during the Gold Rush era. With the construction of the Railroads, America’s westward migration intensified and the demand for trunks increased. Round and flattop trunks as well as Small square shaped half trunks were popular in the mid 19th century.
In 1850, Jenny Lind also known as the Swedish Nightingale came to America for a two year concert tour. Jenny Lind traveled with a unique and appealing collection of trunks that were crafted in London. Soon trunk makers all over America began reproducing this style, which is now referred to as Jenny Lind trunks. Jenny Lind trunks were leather covered, with iron bands, large brass studs and are curved in at the center. These trunks were often elaborately decorated with brass locks; fancy tooled leather and interiors detailed with paper lining and trimmings. Jenny Lind trunks were so popular that they remained in vogue into the 1870s.
In the late 1870’s, a large round top trunk used by wealthy travelers to the spas of Saratoga Springs became popular. These large domed trunks were covered in either leather or metal and richly trimmed. Round top trunks were made for the consumer who believed baggage handlers would stack their luggage on top as the round top would be difficult to stack upon. This attempt to engineer the baggage handlers’ compliance to avoid damage was swiftly debunked as workers merely flipped the trunks on their sides.
During the waning years of the 19th century a trunk style developed specifically for steamship travel emerged. This low, flat top trunk was known as a Steamer Trunk. The Steamer Trunk was available in an array of sizes designed for various functions. The Steamer Trunk was in production until the first quarter of the 20th century.