Saturday, January 13, 2018

Charles Carman Trunk

This is a pretty special piece.  The trunk is almost 200 years old and was made by Charles Carman, Saddle, Harness, Cap and Trunk Makers.  At the time it was made, they were located at 27 Main Street in Poughkeepsie, NY.  Poughkeepsie was still fairly small with a population of about 3,000 and no paved roads at this point.  Commerce was carried on by sloops, and four sailing ships left for New York City each week.  Charles Carman would likely have exported these to NYC.  He may have also retailed them in Poughkeepsie.  Steamboats landed at the foot of Main Street every night to take passengers to Albany and New York City.  A smaller trunk such as this one would have been perfect for shorter steamboat trips.
This domed top trunk has a wood body covered in hide with leather straps and metal tacks.  It has an iron lock and iron handles.  Both handles are in tact.  The interior of the trunk still has its original blue paper lining and even retains its original label.  This outstanding historical, museum worthy, object would make quite a showpiece in a home or cottage.  28" l., 14 1/2" w., 12" h.  American, c. 1820's  SOLD