Belt Auction

Have Two Questions Concerning a very old Steamer Trunk with Initials?

I have this questions listed in cameras for that part of the help I need. This trunk had all types of hidden treasures inside it. I bought it at auction unopened and I found an expensive silk rug wrapped in a wax type paper, some coins from France, and sheets and linens with the Initials DK. B. embroidered very ornately with a crest. Those sheets etc had rotted but the silk threads were there and readable. But worth zip due to rot. The Steamer Trunk is very large, very large. It was owned by someone with the initials L.V. that he had stamped on the two brass handles and under the lock. So, either L.V. was related to DK. B. or DK. B had borrowed or rented the trunk. I found out that steamer trunks were rented or leased as well as sold back then and since no one picked this one up it may have been purchased from L.V. by DK. B. ? We just don't have a clue. Next, the coins were all French and all had the same date 1910 and were French, gold, silver, 12 of each. And the silk knotted rug. Getting the trunk down to remove all of our Junk stored inside we dropped the trunk and here a crack sound. When it was emptied and opened we found a Secret compartment that had been nailed to the bottom of the Steamer. We looked for a trick lever or opening but there were none so someone fetched me a pry bar and a special spanner to pry open very gently the compartment and remove some tiny nails and nuts. Inside were two very very old cameras. Both wrapped in the same wax paper, in like new condition. One was black in a leather black case and strap all in great shape. But, oddly, the other was in a dark green case and it was dark green. I managed to learn how to open the cameras and placed each inside a large dark bag and I found odd sized film in the green one. Anyone know of a trunk company initial L.V. or someone long ago with initial DK. B. with some sort of crest? The crest was also rotted and a mess and not clear enough to make anything more out. Anyone know of a special company to develop this film? Somewhere close in the Dallas Fort Worth Area? It could be junk or could be special since they were hidden? The sooner we get the film looked at by a true pro and not something like a photoshop, we can possibly find out who DK. B. was or is and who was or is L.V. who owned this trunk. And, it could be just junk for all we know. But, we expect it to be something really interesting due to the first items found hidden inside the trunk under the lining and so very old. If it helps the rug dated back 300-400 year agoago and the coins were 1910 each ooneand there were 12 of each both types of coins were the same values. Thanks for any help you might provide on this continuing mystery.

Public Comments

1. I know nothing about the trunk but as far as the film is concerned, I would call around and find someone who repairs old photos. They will be more knowledgable on who can develop that film. Professional photographers might also be able to help.
2. You might try this site: http://www.thepirateslair.com/antique-steamer-trunks-chests.html It says this about "trunk company initial L.V."--it could stand for LOUIS VUITTON . Their phone number is 540-659-6209, in Stafford, VA . Their street address is: The Pirate's Lair Division of DataCity, Inc. 78 Canterbury Drive Stafford, VA 22554 email: sales@thepirateslair.com (Note: It is a Service Disabled Veteran-owned small business) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_Vuitton Louis Vuitton Malletier — commonly referred to as Louis Vuitton, or shortened to LV — is a French fashion house founded in 1854. The label is well known for its LV monogram, which is featured on most products, ranging from luxury trunks and leather goods to ready-to-wear, shoes, watches, jewellery, accessories, sunglasses, and books. [A picture of the logo is to the right of the article.] Napoleon III of France appointed Vuitton as Malletier (a "Malletier" is, in French, literally a Trunk-Maker) to his wife, Empress Eugénie de Montijo. Through his experience with French royalty, he developed advanced knowledge of what made a good traveling case. It was then that he began to design his own luggage, setting the foundations for LV Co. (article continues from there). http://forum.purseblog.com/date-codes/date-code-made-in-information-and-locations-183525.html#post3906216 Shows these DATE CODES SEEN ON RE-LINED ITEMS: DK… (USA) It could also refer to its store in Copenhagen. Denmark is abbreviated as DK. [What the B would stand for, I have no clue. Hope this helps a little.] EDIT: For info and value of French coins, go to this site--http://www.taxfreegold.co.uk/francehistoryfrenchgoldcoins.html