What to do
#1
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Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Maryland
Posts: 820
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I have inherited an old Victorian domed trunk from 1870s that is full of family clothes. Beautiful plum colored 2-piece fancy long dress and some other clothes. We know who this stuff belonged to. I have saved everything else that belonged to the family, like many letters, lots of paperwork, etc. But I don't really want these clothes and this trunk. It has been parked in my living room for a few months now and I'm tired of it! Wew! Just had to vent. Should I donate this stuff to historial society, or try to sell it or what? I have no place to keep it and my kids are not iterested.
#2
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Trunks are collectables so if it is in decent shape you could probably sell that. If you have a local historical society or museum I am sure they would be interested in it as well as any clothing. Clothing from a bygone era is a wonderful thing to preserve. Not only does it preserve the history of garments, but we can reproduce fabrics and patterns based off the clothing. Please don't throw it away - if push comes to shove and you are thinking of throwing it away, PM me. I'd take it off your hands and pay for the shipping.
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#3
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I would get it evaluated, and then give it to a historcial society. There may be benefit for you some place , like giving it as a gift, and a tax deduction. Rules are different in different states. The thing is, SOMEONE should get something out of it as it
was saved all those years.
was saved all those years.
#4
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Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Maryland
Posts: 820
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Thanks for the advice...I would never discard it as we love antiques, etc., but we have just been overwhelmed with things lilke this since my MIL passed away. It's just a shame to stick it in my attic or wherever to sit there until my kids have to make a decision about it. As of now, they don't want any of it.
#5
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I'm glad (and relieved!) to hear you would not just discard it. Sometimes people have been known to do that just to get things out of their hair. I agree with the PP who said have it evaluated. As I said, trunks are collectables and it may have some value. I don't know about the clothing, but at the least I think a historical society would be interested. Good luck!
#6
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Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Ontario, Canada
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ditto to others .... check with your local historical society as to their interest on all.
I know you said you don't want it ... though, these trunks can often be cleaned up and/or refinished to be beautiful pieces. Just a thought, before you send it away.
I've used one in the past for fabric storage, and would love one now to consolidate the extra batting pieces.
I know a lot of people like them for toy trunks.
I know you said you don't want it ... though, these trunks can often be cleaned up and/or refinished to be beautiful pieces. Just a thought, before you send it away.
I've used one in the past for fabric storage, and would love one now to consolidate the extra batting pieces.
I know a lot of people like them for toy trunks.
#10
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Thanks for the advice...I would never discard it as we love antiques, etc., but we have just been overwhelmed with things lilke this since my MIL passed away. It's just a shame to stick it in my attic or wherever to sit there until my kids have to make a decision about it. As of now, they don't want any of it.