Object Record
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Metadata
Object Name |
Trunk |
Caption |
Hartmann wardrobe trunk |
Description |
Cushion top wardrobe steamer trunk made by the Hartmann Trunk Company, Racine WI. Designed to stand on end for packing or open use. Has a hanging compartment on the left with wooden hangers that slide on a chrome rod that extends outward for use and folds inward for travel. Originally there might have been a shoe box at the bottom and a fabric dust shield over the hanging clothing. The left half has a hinged lid that is lined in padded velvet and opens upward to allow better access to the hangers. The anchor shape of the hangers was to press & hold garments in place in transit. The five unlined drawers on the right have a flat rod to lock them in place. The trunk has a blue & white patterned cloth covered interior and a black metal exterior with brass plated strap hinges, Yale locks, hasps & bumpers. The original single leather handle on the top has #603 incised on it. The brass bumpers have "Hartmann, Pat. Feb. 24, 1914, Registered" imprinted on them. This type of a large heavy traveling wardrobe was popular in the 1920s for steam liner and railway travel. Unknown owner. Joseph S. Hartmann was born in Germany in 1846 & emigrated to the U.S. in 1862. After settling in New York he established his home in Milwaukee. The Hartmann Trunk Company was organized in 1889 & established in Racine, Wisconsin. Geo. H. Wheary came to Racine in 1902 and became associated with the Hartmann Trunk Company as designer. He was the 1913 patentee of the "padded" Hartmann wardrobe trunk and later became superintendent and factory manager. |
Catalog Number |
2010-0001-045 |
Search Terms |
Trunks Hartmann Trunk Company, Racine WI |
Subjects |
Trunks |