**F.A. Stallman Wardrobe Steamer Trunk — Early 1900s

Made in Columbus, Ohio, USA**

History

This rare upright wardrobe trunk was crafted by F.A. Stallman, a respected Columbus, Ohio maker of fine travel goods active in the early 1900s. Stallman supplied major outfitters and shipping lines, producing trunks built for long ocean passages and first-class travel.

This example travelled widely. Its hand-painted “Melbourne Australia” markings strongly suggest it accompanied its owner on an ocean-liner voyage from the United States to Australia in the Edwardian era. The hinge stamp — “PAT APP’D FOR” — places production firmly in the 1900–1910 period, and surviving Stallman trunks are far scarcer today than those from better-known makers such as Hartmann or Oshkosh.

This trunk still carries the story of its journeys. Surviving Canadian Pacific Steamship luggage labels — dating from the 1910s to the 1930s — together with Melbourne/Sydney routing tags, confirm it once made the full trans-Pacific passage between Australia and North America. The circular Canadian Pacific cabin-class marker shows it was checked aboard a passenger liner, not shipped as cargo.
These early-20th-century labels offer rare, tangible evidence of real ocean-going use and give the piece clear, verifiable provenance from the golden age of steamship travel.

Features

• Riveted steel-banded pigskin/fibreboard body with original brass-plated hardware
• Dual front locks plus central Excelsior-type padlock (with original keys)
• Interior with five fitted drawers, cloth-lined upper compartments and removable wooden hangers on a steel rail
• Maker’s plate: “F.A. Stallman / Maker / Columbus Ohio”
• Hand-painted travel identifiers and remnants of early liner and shipping labels
• All hinges, corners and rivets original, with no structural replacement work

Condition Report

Exterior:
Honest age wear consistent with more than a century of use. Stable surface scuffs throughout; hardware shows light oxidation. Hand-painted stripes and lettering remain vivid and add superb character.

Interior:
Remarkably intact. Drawers slide smoothly; hangers are complete; original tie-straps and velvet-textured lining present.

Hardware:
Front locks functional with matching keys. Hinges (“PAT APP’D FOR”) tight and secure. One side latch missing.

Character:
A superbly preserved wardrobe trunk with outstanding originality and presence — a true survivor from the golden age of ocean travel.

Dimensions

Approx. 112 H × 56 W × 56 D cm

Shipping & Delivery
Medium and heavy items require a custom shipping quote.
Melbourne Wednesday delivery is available (quoted individually).
Free pickup is available in Bendigo — the exact address is provided after your order is confirmed.