**Originally Listed At $300**

North America, United States, ca. early 19th century CE. An antique dome top trunk made of wooden panels covered in cowhide, brass rivet tacks, iron handles, and a front lock plate. The interior is lined with old newsprint and paper, and the exterior hide has the remains of hair in some areas, the hair probably helped protect the wood from the elements. The lid was once held in place by leather hinges and straps with buckles, one buckle is still attached to the front. This is a small chest that could have been used for short, overnight travel and to store personal items that needed safe keeping- such as heirlooms, dowries, and documents. These are often called "document boxes" or "saddle boxes" since they could easily fit on a horse's back, and they were often cylindrical in shape. In the 1830s, the boxier style with domed lids (like this example) were designed for wagon / stagecoach travel. The hair-on hide covering was popular in the late 1700s and into the 1800s, until falling out of favor in the 1840s. Size: 24" L x 13" W x 11" H (61 cm x 33 cm x 27.9 cm)

The newspaper appears to be from Boston Massachusetts publications, and compared to other trunks with a similar liner with blue dots, this might be by the trunk maker Nathan Neat, a Boston merchant established in 1825.

Provenance: private Cripple Creek, Colorado, USA collection

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#184136

Fair condition, heavy wear as expected with age and use. Lid is not attached to the leather hinges / losses to the leather hinges and straps. Losses to the hide outer cover layers and interior paper liner. Cracking and tearing to hide. Wood under the hide is in good condition. Staining to interior and old inactive insect activity.