Welcome to the Angelina Nikon Signature Collection—where 19th-century history meets masterful restoration. Each piece in this showcase has been hand-selected for its architectural soul and expertly revitalized in my Michigan studio to serve as a functional heirloom for the modern home.
The Golden Age of Travel, Reimagined
Originally designed as 'portable closets' for transatlantic steamship travel, these 1800s chests were built to be indestructible. Today, I transform these rugged relics into clean, odor-free (when possible) works of art. From my signature sanded wood interiors to hand-applied patinas on rare embossed tin, every trunk is a tangible link to a storied past, offering deep, textured storage that modern furniture simply cannot replicate.
Choosing Your Silhouette
When exploring the collection, you will find several distinct styles, each offering a unique presence. Whether you are drawn to the high-arched elegance of a Victorian Saratoga or the rugged utility of an Industrial Flat Top, these pieces are curated to be the definitive anchor of your room.
1. Flat Top Trunks
The most versatile of all antique trunks, the Flat Top was designed to be stackable in the cargo hold of a ship or train. In modern interior design, these are highly coveted as industrial coffee tables or entryway benches because of their level surface. They often feature wood slats and metal banding, providing a rugged, utilitarian aesthetic.
2. Dome Top & Humpback Trunks
Once known as "Saratoga Trunks," the Dome Top (or Humpback) was the luxury luggage of the Victorian elite. The curved lid ensured that baggage handlers couldn't stack other trunks on top of them, preventing the contents from being crushed. Today, these are the ultimate "Treasure Chests," serving as spectacular focal points at the foot of a bed or in a home library.
3. Monitor Top & Waterfall Trunks
A rarer find, the Monitor Top features a flat lid with a rounded "waterfall" front edge. Named after the rounded silhouette of the USS Monitor ironclad battleship, these trunks offer the best of both worlds: a flat surface for displaying decor and a softened, elegant front profile.
4. Professional Grade: Indestructo & Vulcanized Fiber
Makers like National Veneer Products (Mishawaka, Indiana) revolutionized travel with the Indestructo line. These featured multi-ply heat-laminated wood and reinforced corners. These trunks are the pinnacle of the "Industrial Modern" look, often used as matching nightstands or end tables due to their uniform size and incredible durability.
What to Look for: Restoration vs. Original Patina
At Angelina Nikon, we offer two distinct types of history:
Professionally Refinished: These pieces have been meticulously restored. I strip away decades of grime, sand the interiors to a "like-new" wood finish, and polish the hardware to a brilliant shine. These are ideal for storing fine linens and blankets, as they are entirely clean and odor-free.
Original Heritage: For the "Grandpa Chic" enthusiast, we preserve the original canvas and weathered patina. These "survivor" pieces tell a raw, tactile story of travel and are perfect for collectors who value historical integrity above all else.
Why Choose an Antique Trunk for Your Home?
Beyond their beauty, antique trunks are a sustainable and practical furniture choice.
Spacious Storage: Perfect for bulky winter blankets, family keepsakes, or record collections.
Versatile Design: They anchor a room, bridging the gap between rustic farmhouse, industrial modern, and traditional styles.
Heirloom Value: Unlike mass-produced modern furniture, an authentic 19th-century trunk increases in character and value over time.
View my current selection of Restored Antique Trunks and Original Heritage Chests
Dome Top Trunk, Saratoga Trunk, Humpback Trunk
Monitor Top
Dome Top Trunk With Embossed Tin
Indestructo brand trunk
Flat Top Trunk, Industrial Coffee Table
