Steamer love.

It's finally here, after spending 3 days in New Orleans.  I could have walked there and back faster. 

Maybe twice.  

I suppose I should cut it some slack though.  It is older than dirt.  

The steamer was made sometime between 1910 and 1921 by William H. Winship.  The Winships (there were several in the business) were well known bag and trunk makers out of Boston starting around the mid-19th century with William's uncle, H. A. Winship.  I mention all this because I know I'm not the only steamer/old trunk geek out there.

The trunk is covered in white(ish) leather that though not pristine is still completely intact.  I've never attempted to restore a trunk before, but I'm going to try to clean it up as much as possible.

The inside paper lining is also still intact which is even more shocking.  From what I've read that tends to be the first thing to go. I'd be convinced that the trunk had been stripped and relined if it wasn't for the fact that the original label is still there.  I didn't think to take photos of the inside, which j'adore, but maybe another day.

Isn't it beautiful?  I'm really feeling it up on top of the antique furniture cart.  I just need to find something to put next to it. Something small and round(ish) like a vase or a bowl.  More modern too. Maybe metal or a bright color?  Any ideas?