Steamer Trunk / Travel Chest, Portland Trunk Manufacturing Co., Oregon, c. 1920s–1940s
Viridian Eclection
The Furniture Piece Title: Steamer Trunk / Travel Chest by Portland Trunk Manufacturing Co.Date: c. 1920s–1940sConstruction: Three-ply veneer lumber with painted exterior, riveted metal hardware, a...
The Furniture Piece
Title: Steamer Trunk / Travel Chest by Portland Trunk Manufacturing Co.
Date: c. 1920s–1940s
Construction: Three-ply veneer lumber with painted exterior, riveted metal hardware, and papered interior
Origin: Portland, Oregon, USA
Historical Context
The Portland Trunk Manufacturing Co., located at Third and Pine Streets in Portland, Oregon, was one of the region’s better-known producers of trunks and luggage in the early 20th century. Their products were marketed as durable and affordable, intended for everyday travelers, students, and servicemen.
This trunk bears the company’s guarantee label: “Positively guaranteed not to check or crack — there is a reason” and notes the use of three-ply veneer lumber, a selling point in the era as trunks shifted away from heavy solid wood construction toward lighter, layered veneers that could withstand long journeys without splitting.
Trunks like this were widely used for rail, steamship, and later automobile travel, and they often doubled as storage chests once their journeying days were over.
Design Features
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Exterior: Dark green painted finish with riveted seams, reinforced corners, and brass-plated hardware.
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Interior: Papered with mottled camouflage-like printed lining in green and tan, typical of the 1920s–40s. Retains its fitted lift-out tray with compartments.
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Hardware: Locking latches with central hasp (key often lost), and iron or brass corner protectors.
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Handles: Side-mounted (likely leather or fiber, now worn or missing).
Function
This piece served as a steamer trunk or student trunk, capable of storing clothing, bedding, and personal effects. Its compact rectangular form and reinforced construction made it easy to stack in railway cars, steamship holds, or dormitories.
Today, trunks like this are collected both as decorative antiques and as functional storage pieces. They are often used as coffee tables, blanket chests, or accent storage in vintage-inspired interiors.
Every piece is packed with professional-grade materials: multiple foam layers, double-boxing, directional and fragile handling labels. For large furniture we use custom timber crating. We photograph packing before dispatch and can provide images on request.
White-glove delivery is complimentary within 100 miles of Reno, NV. National shipping quotes provided at checkout. All shipments are photographed and documented. Damage claims must be filed with the carrier; we provide all documentation needed to support your claim.
Local pickup is available at Viridian HQ (Reno, NV) with 2–4 days notice. Contact us to arrange. Private viewings also available.
All antique and vintage items are sold as described and all sales are final. Each listing includes detailed condition notes and photographs so you can make a fully informed decision. We encourage buyers to ask questions — about condition, dimensions, finish, provenance — before purchasing.
Antiques are irreplaceable and one-of-a-kind. Carrier handling is outside our control once a piece has left our facility, and major carriers including FedEx do not insure antiques. We do everything within our power to ensure safe transit, but cannot accept liability for carrier damage. If damage occurs in transit, we will provide full documentation to support your carrier claim.
Have a question? — we're happy to provide additional photos, condition detail, or discuss the piece directly.
