How were these trunks used originally?

These trunks served primarily for storing garments, blankets, and valuable textiles, protecting them from dampness and insects through the natural properties of camphor wood. Many also functioned as luggage for merchants and travellers during voyages. In contemporary interiors, their robust construction allows them to double as low coffee tables or deep storage furniture at the foot of a bed.

How do I tell an 18th-century trunk from a 19th-century one?

Eighteenth-century examples often exhibit simpler, heavier hardwood construction with minimalist brass mounts and subtle proportions. Nineteenth-century pieces frequently introduce heavier hand-carved relief work, campaign hardware, and lacquer finishes. Examining the tool marks, joinery inside the carcass, and the specific patina of the brass assists in separating earlier trade pieces from later colonial and regional production.

Can I use a camphor trunk as a coffee table?

Their flat lids and stable proportions make them suitable for use as coffee tables in a living space. The internal depth provides hidden storage for everyday items. Care should be taken with the surface finish, using coasters and pads to protect lacquer, leather, or carved wood from heat and moisture.