This trunk made by L. Arata is the style called a canvas covered "steamer trunk". You may think that all old trunks are steamer trunks, but originally only these short flat styles were called that by the trunk makers. Now people have applied that name to nearly any old trunk.
This style was made from the early 1880's until the 1920's, but there are a couple clues as to the age of this trunk. The latches on this trunk were patented in 1882 but used for about 30 years by many trunk makers across the United States. The lock on the trunk is brass and has the name Corbet Cabinet Lock Co., New Britain Conn stamped on it. CCL (Corbin Cabinet Lock) was founded in 1882 in New Britain CT. The company spent 121 years there before moving to its current location in Wheeling, Illinois in 2003.
This agrees with the idea that the trunk was most likely made in the 1890's until about 1910. The trunk originally had a tray inside that hinged on those two pieces inside the back of the trunk, in order to hold it up out of the way when getting to the items in the bottom. This is a very common style, made by many trunk companies during that time.
......................................................................
..:: L. Arta Canvas Steamer Trunk ::..
Circa 1890-1920
"The fact that the label has been pasted over with a newer version, because the company moved from Chestnut St. to another address, tells me that the trunk was made sometime after the business listing I found from 1889 shown below."
- Marvin Miller @ ThisOldTrunk.com
.......................................................................
Here is a little about the L. Arta company and it's history regarding this Canvas Steamer Trunk. A big thanks to Marvin Miller from ThisOldTrunk.com for the great information on this amazing piece of .
From an 1889 Philadelphia Business Listing:
Old Established Trunk Stand, No. 612 Chestnut
Street.— Mr. L. Arata, of No. 612 Chestnut Street, is at the
head of an old established business concern, and is en-
gaged in manufacturing a substantial, elegant and handy
line o! traveling trunks, bags, satchels, etc. The history of this
house stretches back to the year 1832, when the enterprise was
founded by Messrs. Hiekey & Toll. On the death of Mr. Hickey
the business passed into the hands of Mr. Benjamin Andrews, who
continued it until his death in 1879, when he was succeeded by Mr.
L. Arata, who has fully sustained the high reputation the house
has long borne for producing and handling first-class goods,
rigidly adhering to liberal and honorable business methods, and
promptly executing all orders. Mr. Arata brings to bear in the
management of the "Old Trunk Stand," as this house is popularly
called, a wide range of practical experience, he being an expert
trunk maker. Born in sunny Italy, he has resided in Philadelphia
since 1850, and he has become known as one of the most popular
and successful business men in his line in the city. He occupies
commodious premises, the salesroom being 30x100 feet in dimen-
sions, and here trunks, valises and bags are arranged in charming
variety, and are offered at prices which commend them to all who
seek genuine, reliable, substantial, neat goods at reasonable prices
The trade, which is of a retail character, extends throughout the
city and vicinity, and is yearly showing an increase in the volume
of trade. Mr. Arata gives special attention to the repairing of
trunks. He has built up an excellent reputation for fair and
square, dealing, and his patronage is drawn from the best classes
of the community.
