05/26/2026
SARATOGA TRUNKS: here are several trunk catalog pages that show what true Saratoga trunks were according to the trunk makers. Pages from 1875, 1885, 1897, and 1914. From all of these trunk maker catalogs, a true Saratoga trunk was a large barrel or round top trunk, including the Cross Slat style patented in 1880. The name came about because travelers going to Saratoga Springs, NY (a very popular resort location during the 1800's) would take a very large trunk to hold clothes for their long stays. People started referring to the very large trunks, usually barrel top types, as Saratoga trunks.