Donations from Curt Gillock and Jennifer Frantz

Curt Gillock of Two Fools Leather Goods has made this “Hair-on Flop-top Trunk” for the upcoming CLA fundraising auction. It’s number 7 of only 10. The palonia wood frame is covered with a fine Brindle hair-on steer hide. The “English Tanned Harness Leather” straps, handles and trim are all edged and burnished by hand. The actual “Floptop” is backed and bound to a strong piece of the same leather as a strengthener. It is then hand-sewn through the wooden frame with leather strapping to further reinforce it. The trunk handles are also sewn in place using the same method, while all of the harness leather trim is nailed into place with pyramid head clinch nails. All of the hand sewing is done with waxed linen thread, and the trunk is fully lined with French drape cloth. The iron buckles are forged by Steve Baxter. The trunk measures a generous 33″wide x 17″ tall x 14″ wide.

Finally, Jennifer Frantz of Americana Floorcloths will be donating a patriotic “Join or Die” floorcloth to the event. It is one of her best sellers. The floorcloth is two and a half by 4 feet in length, and painted in tones of mustard, ebony and burgundy with a generous antique stain in the final layers of poly. The floorcloth is painted on a heavy 22 OZ. canvas with 8 coats of paint and four coats poly-acrylic. The floorcloth is sealed on all sides to prevent the canvas from mildewing when exposed to the elements. The “Join or Die” design includes the date of 1754 which is when Franklin originally posted this cartoon in the Boston Gazette, but its call to unity for all Americans still resonated during the war of 1812.

Either of these items would look great in your home or collection, and we thank Curt and Jennifer for donating them to the 2012 auction.