How to Value Antique Trunks

This is a how to guide about appraising the value of antique trunks.

Steps

  1. Image titled Value Antique Trunks Step 1
    1
    Measure the size of your antique trunk. If the your trunk is 30 inches (76.2 cm) or under then your trunk will be worth more. The reason is that smaller trunks fit easier in peoples homes than larger trunks.[1]
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    2
    Try to determine what time period it comes from. What style of trunk do you have? Flat top trunks are sometimes more popular because things can be placed on top of them or they can be used as tables.[2]
    • Make sure you pay attention to the trunk's details if you wish to know if you have a reproduction or an original piece. Usually, original trunks have lots of great details.[3]
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  3. Image titled Value Antique Trunks Step 3
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    Objectively determine its condition. What is the condition of your trunk? Look for rust, large dents and scratches. All of these things will take away from its value.[4] [5]
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    Check for any fancy 'add-ons'. Is your trunk ornate and decorative or plain looking?
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    After determining the size, style, condition and decorative nature, search for other trunks similar to yours that have sold recently.
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    Go to eBay.com and do an advanced search for "antique trunk" and check the option box marked "sold listings." Then view the sold listings in order to come up with a value for your trunk.[6]
  7. Image titled Value Antique Trunks Step 7
    7
    Another method is to search Craigslist for comparable listings also. But remember that these are only asking prices.[7]
  8. Image titled Value Antique Trunks Step 8
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    Ask someone that restores antique trunks for there opinion via email with good quality photos of your trunk. You should also note the condition of your trunk in the email.
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Warnings

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References

  1. ↑ https://antiquetrunksandchests.com/antique-trunk-values/
  2. ↑ https://www.brettunsvillage.com/trunks/value/
  3. ↑ https://www.txantiquemall.com/antique-trunks-identification-and-value-guide/
  4. ↑ https://antiquetrunksandchests.com/antique-trunk-values/
  5. ↑ https://www.txantiquemall.com/antique-trunks-identification-and-value-guide/
  6. ↑ https://www.thriftyfun.com/Determining-the-Value-of-an-Antique-Steamer-Trunk-1.html
  7. ↑ https://www.thriftyfun.com/Determining-the-Value-of-an-Antique-Steamer-Trunk-1.html
  8. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steamer_trunk

About This Article

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 10 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 61,831 times.
16 votes - 81%
Co-authors: 10
Updated: June 28, 2022
Views: 61,831
Categories: Antiques
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