BRETTUNS VILLAGE TRUNK SHOP

Hi Brettuns Village!
First off I want to thank you from here to the moon for your very informative website as well as the extensive inventory of trunk parts and awesome prices.  I have now completed two trunks and have enjoyed every minute of it. I could not have done it without your site.  The first trunk was a big, ugly trunk my neighbor just gave to me because they couldn't stand the sight of it any longer. I will send pictures of that one later on. Lets just say they are sorry they gave it to me now because it turned out so nicely.  The next trunk(s) I acquired is my great grandmother and grandfather's. We found both in a barn rotting away. They are the old zinc covered ones with the rounded top. It was heartbreaking to see them in the shape we found them in. I finished the first one because it was in the best shape, and the other which looks very similar in design is taking a bit more work then the other because the top was caved in and it was covered in rust. Normally I would likely have walked away, but these are priceless family heirlooms that were not properly cared for until now.  I am including the first because I am still replacing slats and rebuilding the hump on the second and I can only hope in the end it will look as beautiful as this one. I can't tell you how excited I was when the parts we ordered from you came in the mail today!  I'm including the after shots, as well as the before one from when we found them. I'm sure you'll be able to see which is which. :D I hope.  Thanks again! I can't wait to get the other finished as well as get pics of the first so I can share!

This trunk work can be habit forming - here's Crystal's next project:

We finally finished the second trunk that we believe was my great grandfather's. We found the first I'd already sent you and this one together. Whether or not they were originally a set, we do not know but in a way they matched and in other ways they did not. This one has flat sheet metal instead of the line pattern mixed with the same pressed pattern. They were not the same colors either and their sizes seem slightly different. We had to rebuild the hump in this one and it was very bad shape when found. Basically solid rust. We had to patch many rust holes and deal with dents that we could. All the hardware on the slats was replaced using your parts as well as the lid stay and handles too. I'm glad to know I have somewhere to go with the next trunk I find in my possession! You always seem to have exactly what we need!

I just finished up another trunk with parts I ordered from you! This was the most difficult one yet because it needed all new wooden slats, flat metal, hardware and a completely rebuilt lid! Most people probably would have thrown it away, especially when they saw the free wasp nest, rat poop and termite damage that came with this awesome $10 investment, but not me! I broke the rules and used a few screws, but only when I had no choice to hold this rickety old trunk together again. It was very painful to resort to using them. In the end, this trunk will be a wonderful gift for my mom and someday a wonderful family heirloom to go with the other two that belonged to my great-grandparents. At least I know it will survive that long!  I couldn't have done it with you and the parts you sell! Thank you so much for having affordable and accurate parts available for trunk hoarders like me!  God Bless! I'll be ordering again soon! I just bought two more trunks! Hahahaha!  Crystal Davis

---

From Neil Moschel!

Just wanted to show you how I put to good use your handles and handle end caps! I chose a satin finish on this metal clad trunk.  Thanks, Neil
More projects from Neil:



Neil says this last one was done in the NY Mets colors.  Granderson may someday own this one!

Complete with Astro Turf!

---

Keeping the Original Look

I finally finished my Steamer Trunk project and wanted to send you a few pictures.  This was a great project to do, though also a really big project.  It took 70+ hours to complete.  Learned many interesting things along the way and tried several new skills.  The trunk was built about 100 years ago.  Based on the stickers the trunk traveled across the Atlantic ocean a couple times and had the opportunity to visit a couple posh hotels in Europe: Paris, Rhein Valley, and Black Forest.  At some point the trunk was refurbished in Boston, the refurbisher�s emblem was on the inside lid.  Sadly when it was refurbished it was painted a solid brown and the lock on the front was replaced.  So to get it back to working condition I did the following:
·         Replaced missing or loose nails and rivets
·         Refinished the wood with stain and 5 -6 coats of Tung Oil.  There was dry rot and splitting going on
·         Patched up small holes in the canvas and painted it green
·         Polished the old brass hardware and antiqued the new brass lock (so they would look similar)
·         Reconditioned the leather and replaced the leather handles
·         Repainted the metal bands and steel sheeting on the bottom
·         The reproduction stickers have added the extra detail
·         Replaced the inner lining with wallpaper

We are now happily using the trunk as our coffee table.  Thanks for all of your advice.
Jim

---

Looking for a Brave Soul?  Laura Balliet is One!!

We often pass up these old metal covered trunks that have been painted.  For some odd reason we just don't get much of a kick out of using paint stripper.
Laura Balliet braced herself and went for it.  Nice work!  An unsolicited quote is always nice at a time like this:

Thank you for the awesome supplies and advice from Brettuns Village to get me through this project.
It's my first attempt at giving new life to these trunks. I picked this trunk up for $10 and since it was in pretty rough shape, I figured I should try and tackle it as my first. That way, if I messed up,
I knew I couldn't make it worse than the condition I purchased it.  The tray I built new because, although included, the original didn't seem repairable. Because the canvas was pretty
much intact, I chose to strip the old blue and brown paint and repaint it with a couple coats of white.  The leather, lock, hinges, feet,  and clinch nails all came courtesy of your site. All in all, I spent
about 40-60 hours on it with time dedicated here and there since last October.  I'm looking forward to getting better at this with each "new" trunk I can find around town. This one definitely had a lot of lessons learned.
Thanks!   Laura

---

Get a Load of What Ray Lang Did!

---

Angelo Arcoleo is Open for Business!

Fine work that has been performed by someone who obviously takes great care to do impressive work.
Angelo is thinking about selling some of his masterpieces, so you may want to drop him an e-mail if you're in the market for a trunk!
angeloarcoleo@yahoo.com

---

I purchased all my parts through you.  I started with bare bones and created a pirate chest almost 400 copper nails.
This is my first attempt at a chest and I will be a faithful customer for years to come.
I obeyed the rules... No screws!.
Benjamin Heiser

---

John Cunningham Took a Painted Trunk and Brought it Back to Life!

Here's another from John Cunningham:

---

Gentlemen:  Here are a couple of pictures of my trunk.  I did use a wire brush on a drill for a couple of hours.  This trunk was in very bad shape and I did the best that I could to restore it.  Thanks for your help and the parts.  Linda Hursh

---

Joyce Coss Works Miracles!

Hi:   Brettuns Village
I know when we place orders, I always tell  you I will e mail a photo of  a�before� and �after� of one of the trunks we refurbish.
Well, I am sending one for you now (hopefully, it will go through). We would like your opinion on the finished product.
Will be calling soon with order.  Thanks again,
Randy and Joyce Coss
213 Pine St
Waynesburg PA 15370

---

Here's David Stacy's Project:

I wanted to thank you very much for the very entertaining guidance you provided online concerning restoration of old trunks.
I thoroughly enjoyed it and felt it was 100% helpful.  The parts I ordered were also top notch, especially the leather.
My wife is definitely thankful as the trunk belonged to her long dead Uncle.  I thought you might like to see  before and after photos of an amateur attempt.
David Stacy

---

Jerry Landsman Can Work for us Anytime!

Jerry runs Boonsboro Trunks in Boonsboro, Maryland.  Exellent work, in our opinion!
Contact Jerry by e-mail here.

---

Carl Freeman Gave His Trunk a Makeover!

Churchill, These are some pictures of the trunk I restored for my Grand Daughter. I bought all the parts to restore it from you.
The Grand Daughter was brought to tears with joy, she really loved it; was a moment for me to cherish for the rest of my life.
Carl Freeman

---

Here's a Before/After Pic from Adam

$20 steamer trunk I found on Craigslist. Lots of scrubbing and finished in tung oil. All new leather from BrettunsVillage.Com
A couple more from Adam:

---

From Sarah Ludwig:

Hi Brettuns Village!
I just wanted to say thank you for all the help you've given me over the past six months either through your website or in e-mails.
I've really appreciated it and it definitely helped. Here are a few pictures of my finished trunk, Tung Oil finish and all!
Sarah Ludwig

---

Val Jensen Does Nice Work!

I am sending along before and after photos of my trunk.  Genealogy research shows it likely came from
Minnnesota to Oklahoma, then to Kansas between 1878 and 1890.  My great-grandmother, grandmother, and mother
all stored family photographs in it.  I guess I may as well carry on the tradition now that it looks a little better.
I spray painted the embossed tin base coat then repainted the flowers by hand with an artist's brush.
I decided to let the bright brass develop it's own patina with time rather than paint it.
Val Jansen
Wichita, KS

---

From Sally Weeks

While you've been sitting around thinking about maybe trying to work on that trunk that's out in the garage, Sally Weeks has been BUSY!
Here are three of her trunks, in their original form on the left, refinished on the right.  Nice work, Sally!  Here's her note:
It was hard work but, I enjoyed doing it.  The end results were well worth it.  The pink trunk belonged to my
grandmother and had a date of 1880 on it .  My mother had "antiqued" it 2 times.  The first time, it was red!
It had about 4 different coats of paint on it.  Who knew it would turn out to be so pretty underneath all that ugly paint.
The lock on it is beautiful. I did it for my mother who is 83 and I told her when I gave it to her that I wanted to be sure I got it back one day!
Thanks again for you wonderful web site.  I learned everything from ya'll.....I couldn't have done it without you and your great guidance.
Also, great parts department too!
Sally Weeks

---

Chuck's Woodbarn
Custom built trunks that you've got to see to believe

Chuck�s Woodbarn is owned and operated by Charlie and Sherry Zeller.  Specializing in the lost art of steam bending wood to create beautiful hand crafted  trunks and wood chests.  A true family heirloom.  A unique work of art, no two alike.  Emphasis is put on fine craftsmanship and quality construction.  We personally design and construct everything from the beginning jigs to finalizing with finishing the interiors.
Visit Chuck's Woodbarn by Clicking Here

---

Robert Tyler's Work!

 Hi Churchill:  As promised, here is the trunk I just refinished. This is my first try.  Thank you for all the trunk parts.

  Here is my 2nd trunk. It was in a friend's basement went she bought her home over forty
  years ago. The old trunk had a metal exterior. Thank you for your trunk supplies.  All the best,
Robert Tyler, in California

---

Look What Stan Gardner Did!

(on the left) My first trunk project, someone had painted it all red at one time.  I had to replace a board in the top and I also replaced all the slats and connectors,
found a working key and lined the entire inside.  I used brown shoe polish to stain the new slats.
It reeked of mold  before I started.  Now I have four more to do, to give to my granddaughters.
On the Right:  My latest project. It took lots of time to paint the embossed metal, but well worth it.  It is the original color,
as I discovered when removing the old handles.  Built a new tray and lined it all with cedar. Hopefully the oldest grandaughter will have it for many years.
Thanks for the the help and  parts.

---

From Larry Gattis:

I have enclosed before and after pictures of my first trunk project.
Thanks for the excellent service and all the help. You have been wonderful to deal with.
The grandmother of the bride was happy and I hope the bride will be also.
Larry Gattis

---

From Rodney Herring:

Thanks for having everything I needed to finish these and also for your great prices and advice......Rodney

---

Jed Painter Proves the Old Black Fiber Trunks Have Potential!

At long last the project is done.  It took six weeks and more forearm strength than I thought I had.
As you can see, all the metal was cleaned and shined.
The disgusting vulcanite covering was shaved off and then the paper underneath was attacked with all manner of tools.
The oak slats were custom cut by yours truly and then added to the sides and top.
The edge clamps and the top clamps are from Brettuns Village, as well as the new handles,
but the rest is original New Jersey steel.  Not a bad way to spend 6 weeks.  I wonder if I still have a job.

Thanks for all the free advice on the website, without which this would not have been possible,
your prompt answers to my inquiries, and your prompt shipment of my repeated orders.
Jed P.

---

From Christopher Rollston

The dark brown straps and tabs look great (we think!)

---

Charles Wright took care of business on his Grandmother's trunk:

He even made a new tray out of oak!  Nice work, Chas!

---

Nice work by Donald Guss

---

Larry Larson's Miracle

I would like to thank Brettuns Village Trunk Shop for the advice you gave me on refinishing my trunk and also the parts you had shipped me to do the job.
I had bought my trunk at an antique place in Michigan for $22.50.  I cleaned it up, little paint, removed the paint from the wood and tung oiled everything else.
I put on some new handles, hinge, and some embossed metal where I had a lot of damage and I now have a beautiful trunk.  Thank you, Larry Larson

---

Built From Scratch by Dave Lackey

Just wanted to say THANKS for the orders you filled and the questions you answered.  Also, attached a photo of the completed trunk.
First attempt at anything like this and it was so much fun!  Best regards, Dave Lackey

---

Here's a winner from Jennifer Edwards:

---

Sir, May I introduce myself, i'm Thierry Vermeulen from Belgium (Europe) and i'm a professional photographer
and graphic designer.  Me and and my lady are active in the re-enactment scene (1833 - 1899),
and after buying a real 1890's fieldcamera with tripod there was the need for a photographic toolbox.  I never did this before, and the toolbox is made out of scratch,
all by hand and i did not use any screws at all.  Using no screws is something i learned from You, i'm very pleased to have found your site on the internet.
Buying almost all the necessary stuff at Your shop, made it a lot easyer to achieve my goal.
Again thanks for the support, and hereby You will find 2 pictures of our new/old toolbox.
Friendly Greetings,  Vermeulen Thierry
Antwerp, Belgium

---

Jim Theriault's Jenny Lind-Keyhole-Saratoga-Loaf of Bread Trunk

(Pick the name you like best)

Covered in new leather.  Don't the guys over at Brettuns Village Leather just love to see this type of restoration work!

---

Jim Zartman

Howdy!  Finally, after several hundred man hours of work and a couple hundred dollars in parts and supplies  --  the trunk is completed!
Hopefully, the efforts of this family trunk restoration project are reflected in the attached photos -- along with photos of what I started with.
I do want to thank you again, for not just being a valuable source for parts, etc., but for answering my novices's questions and offering sound advice.
I stayed strictly to your philosophy of �keep it original�  (no paint or screws, etc.) --  even to the point of replacing the canvas--
and of modifying the strap holders to conform to the originals.  I think my wife�s grandfather would be pleased.
Best wishes for your continuing success.
James L. �Jim� Zartman
San Antonio, Texas

---

Frank Hayes Performed a Miracle!

This was my fathers trunk, sat in the garage for 54 years that I can vouch for, not sure how many before.  So, I tried to make it look cleaned up but not redone as you can see.
We are extremely pleased with how it turned out, couldn't have done it without your expert advice,
beautiful leather pieces, nails and once again, your expert advice!
I would like to say for any other novices that want to take a project on like this- no matter how many nails you think you need, you will need more!
It does cause a break in the momentum waiting for them to arrive. However, it does give one time to reflect and reconsider 'hmmmm, maybe I should ???'.
That's what I did, and I love the result!
Thanks again, hope to find a trunk in the neighborhood that wants to follow me home!
Frank Hayes, Grass Valley, CA

---

Take a Look at What Becky Prince Did

I always enjoy your newletters and your website.  Your website alone is like a reference book for refinishing a smelly old trunk and I appreciate all of your tips and advice.
I refinished the trunk using your shared knowledge from your website, as well as Brettuns Village's handles, leather straps and stays.
The tung oil and golden oak stain formula is great too and it took several applications to soak in the dry wood.
I'm planning to begin working on another trunk this week.  Best regards,  Becky Prince

---

From Seaton Reed

Hi Churchill,  I thought you might like to see the finished product. Your helpful suggestions provided me with guidance I would not have otherwise had and the
parts and supplies made it a fun project. And we now have a usable trunk.  You will note I was able to find suitable trim strips which were 1/4 " Aspen
(inexpensive from Home Depot) which I tacked on with the short clinch nails so as not to protrude through the sides. By using 1/4" inch the original tray rails remained usable.
The original tray disappeared long ago so I made a replacement using 1/2" Aspen (glued and nailed) lined with aromatic cedar which came out very nice.
The original interior was lined with a brown paper on the sides and paper cover cardboard like pieces on the bottom and top all glued in.  This was in very poor condition.
 Thanks again for your help.  Seaton Reed

---

Here's one from Debra Early

---

Radio Radio!

Tom & Pat Gaber Worked a Minor Miracle

Hi:  We ordered a hide from you in November 2004.  We covered an old Majestic Mighty Monarch radio with the hide.  You mentioned that you would be interested
in seeing the finished product.  Here are some pictures of what your hides covered up.  It was a lot of work, but the finished radio is beautiful.
But here are the pictures - hope you enjoy them.  Tom & Pat Gaber

---

From George Bernheimer

This trunk is one I made, with your parts, for my wife to use in pre Civil War Territorial Kansas and Civil War era living history presentations that she and I do.  Thanks again for looking out for us!  Best regards, George Bernheimer

---

Joe Mihm!

To all you good folks at Brettuns Village, Thanks to your help and wonderful website, I finally refinished my first trunk (first photo, above).
It belonged to my great-grandfather and got passed down through the years.  I took the "before' pictures a little late
(after I started tearing it down), but overall I was very pleased with the final outcome (even though I broke a cardinal rule and painted the metal!!).
I hope this one is good enough to make your "Customer's Gallery".  Thanks again for all the help,
Joe Mihm
North Branch, Michigan

Dear Churchill,
Well, you've got me good and hooked now, a hopeless basket case.  I just finished my second trunk (my first is on your Customer's Gallery, and I have four more in the wings).
I bought this one off of George McConnell, whose name I discovered from your website-  he is only about an hour away from me here in Michigan.  I attached some before and after pictures.
All hardware was purchased through Brettun's village (advice was free!).  You're website should come with a warning-  "this hobby can be hopelessly addicting, and involves vast amounts of hard, dirty, detail work.
Enter into it at your own risk!"  Once again, thanks for the advice.
Joe Mihm
North Branch, Michigan

The blue one was a real challenge-  my first all-metal trunk, and the first one I papered (and the first one that had mothballs in it,  hooo-weeee!!!-  I
'm still trying to get the smell out of my nosehairs!).  I used pre-primed house trim aluminum coil stock to replace the metal on the bottom that was rusted away.
It worked out real nice.   I pre-papered the inside with the thick white paper material used for "rough" surfaces, then put the finish paper over it.  M
akes the inside smooth as a baby's bottom, and "mighty purdee" to boot.  Of course, the Brettuns Village handles, caps, nails, lid stay, and bottom corners add the final touches.

---

From Les:

Thanks Again for your advice and help.  The Handles, Straps and hardware were perfect.  The information on your web site was really helpful to me.
I decided to keep the original worn look, but removed the black paint that was in big runs all over the place.  I scraped this thing with a dental pick carefully chipping of the paint and
other crud from years of neglect.  I sanded and used brass wire brushes to clean the embossed tin then used flat black paint.  After it was dry I lightly sanded the tin to reveal the canvas
like embossed pattern.  A light scraping and sanding of the wood slats and some red mahogany stain (that maple don't take stain well) did the trick.
Followed all that up with two coats of thinned Tung oil.  I think its safe to say that this will someday go to my kids.   Les

---

From Mike Vitetta - Custom Built for his 1930 Model A Ford

Mike used our handles, straps, and some spare pieces of matching leather to do the corners of his trunk.
They may not build cars like they used to, but Mike knows how to make the trunks. E-mail him your questions here.

---

From John Godbout

This is my first project but not my last. Thanks to Brettuns Village for the advice and parts i used!! I also used the tung oil and golden oak with a little added secret ingredient.

Thanks again!!
John in SC.

Check out this one that John built from scratch using parts from Brettuns Village:

---

From the Compost Pile...

This guy has vision.  Mike has bought a couple of trunks from our Compost Pile - but he manages to breathe new life into them, as you can see.  We weren't about to mess with that weird paint, but it didn't bother Mike at all.  Or maybe he's just not admitting to it.  Turned out to be a nice Christmas present for his wife.  What a guy! 

---

For the Back of the Buggy

Robert Fisher of Virginia used some of our handles and tacks to complete this trunk for the back of his 1930 Ford Coupe.  Although the trunk may not be the best looking part of the car, it still looks pretty snappy.

---

From Alan Mills in Carlisle, PA

Alan must be the bravest guy in Pennsylvania.  Can you imagine taking on this project?  Even mice wouldn't live in that trunk the way it looked before.  They all moved out.  Nice work, Alan.  The word 'miraculous' comes to mind.

---

Federico DiSciarra

Federico used our cast iron chest handles to finish off this trunk that he made from scratch.  FROM SCRATCH!  Very nice work, Federico has created an heirloom that will last for generations.  Here's another of his creations, added in May 2006:

---

 

SITE MAP