avantey Posted March 10, 2012 Share Posted March 10, 2012 I just got this trunk at an auction today. It is made by Potter Mfg, Jackson, MI. With the bands and wood floor it is similar to the trunk on my '31 Hupp so I am guessing the age at 1930 +/-. It measures 35-1/2"L x 16" D x 14"H and is in good original condition. There is no key but otherwise complete.Does anyone know what cars were outfitted with Potter trunks? Any other info would also be appreciated. I will probably bring it to Hershey in the fall after I learn more.Thanks- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Henderson Posted March 10, 2012 Share Posted March 10, 2012 A very nice trunk! It probably is from the latter part of the "separate trunk" era and has mounting holes drilled in its plywood bottom, as opposed to exterior leather straps used for mounting the earlier trunks. It could be used on whatever car's luggage rack it would fit, not necessarily a single make.The design was likely for a coupe or roadster in mind, as sedan trunks often were slanted to follow the sloping rear of the car's body. Potter Mfg. Co. was one of a number of trunk manufacturers of the era, which made "universal" ones and also some tailored for a spexcific application. The car that makes Potter trunks immortal is the '33-'34 Ford, which had one, in which fugitive gangsters Bonnie and Clyde were gunned down in a bloddy ambush. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
avantey Posted March 11, 2012 Author Share Posted March 11, 2012 Dave, thanks for the info. You are right, I should have said the bands are metal and the floor is drilled. And the trunk on my Hupp is definitely 'fitted' to the rear of the sedan body. I was thinking the rounded corners went with GM body styling better than Ford so it is interesting that Ford was a customer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jscheib Posted March 11, 2012 Share Posted March 11, 2012 Bill,Yesterday, I sent you an e-mail regarding the trunk. Did you get it? The were used for sedans as not all sedans had sloped backs, so I am interested in purchase. Let me know at j.scheib@comcast,net Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
West Peterson Posted March 11, 2012 Share Posted March 11, 2012 The car that makes Potter trunks immortal is the '33-'34 Ford, which had one, in which fugitive gangsters Bonnie and Clyde were gunned down in a bloddy ambush.The trunks on 1933-34 Fords was optional. The one above looks a lot different than this one. Did they offer more than one type? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Dobbin Posted March 11, 2012 Share Posted March 11, 2012 The Potter Trunk for the 34 Ford sedans or phaetons was a form fit trunk that fit tight up against the body. The trunk pictured in the initial post was built to sit on a luggage rack. Probably a universal fit model. I would guess the 34 Ford Potter Manufactured trunk was their best seller, as it was sold by Ford Dealers as an authorized accessory for $37.50. The spare tire could be mounted on the back of the trunk.I think Potter was primarily an after market accessory manufacturer, like Gar Wood who made 34 Ford skirts and wooden boats. Potter Mfg. may have also made approved accessories for other automakers than Ford. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rwoods Posted March 11, 2012 Share Posted March 11, 2012 1932 chevrolets also used Potter trunks straight back would be for a coupe or roadster. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Car Parts For Sale Posted February 8, 2013 Share Posted February 8, 2013 Hi, newbie... I have a nice old Potter Trunk for sale as well. Mine is in the basic Black and is slightly taller @ 32"L-16"D-18"H in similiar condidition chrome is better on mine, some slight dents on one corner and the paint has some age but should be an easy 100% restoration to shiney new with little effort. honest 7.5 or 8 out of 10 condiditon.I hope its OK to post something for sale here... I found this thread in a search and thought it fit well here.Email for price, I am fair, have lots of odd parts, 1930's Chevy Rims, 31 Olds Power Axel Shaft..... Lots of Old NYS licence plate pairs. Etc.Thanks Guy's Nice forum...! Lots of good information... to bad I am getting out of the Old Car Hobby.... just can't afford it anymore since lost my regular income... randydecker@roadrunner dot Com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keiser31 Posted February 8, 2013 Share Posted February 8, 2013 Hi, newbie... I have a nice old Potter Trunk for sale as well. Mine is in the basic Black and is slightly taller @ 32"L-16"D-18"H in similiar condidition chrome is better on mine, some slight dents on one corner and the paint has some age but should be an easy 100% restoration to shiney new with little effort. honest 7.5 or 8 out of 10 condiditon.[ATTACH=CONFIG]177315[/ATTACH]I hope its OK to post something for sale here... I found this thread in a search and thought it fit well here.Email for price, I am fair, have lots of odd parts, 1930's Chevy Rims, 31 Olds Power Axel Shaft..... Lots of Old NYS licence plate pairs. Etc.Thanks Guy's Nice forum...! Lots of good information... to bad I am getting out of the Old Car Hobby.... just can't afford it anymore since lost my regular income... randydecker@roadrunner dot ComYou should probably set up a new post for your ad and in the "Buy/Sell" forum. It will get lost in this thread. John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Car Parts For Sale Posted February 8, 2013 Share Posted February 8, 2013 Yes Sir, I just found that section, and did so. Thanks guy's.Randy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Car Parts For Sale Posted February 16, 2013 Share Posted February 16, 2013 The Black trunk is sold.... thanks guy's/R Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikewest Posted February 16, 2013 Share Posted February 16, 2013 I am interesetd in buying the trunk for a car I have ,what is the price??Mike 585 738 1541 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Car Parts For Sale Posted February 16, 2013 Share Posted February 16, 2013 Your just trunk crazy Mike.... Too funny, you already own this one, it will be at your place in a few days. Randy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nostalgic Reflections Posted November 9, 2018 Share Posted November 9, 2018 Nostalgic Reflections makes the water slide Potter Mfg. Co. Decals if you are restoring your Trunk. Nostalgic Reflections P.O. Box 350 Veradale, Washington 99037 USA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CC3winds Posted November 8, 2020 Share Posted November 8, 2020 I just purchased a Potter Mfg. Co trunk also. It is in incredible condition. It appears never to have been used. There is some minor scratching and scuffing on the exterior due to the storage in the attic. It is black with chrome corners, latches, handle brackets and hinges. The chrome is gorgeous! No rust or pitting. The latches each have integrated locks (no keys were included) The dimensions are 18" high, 16.5" deep, 36.5" wide. The leather handles are somewhat dry , but intact and usable. The wooden bottom is perfect with 4 drilled holes. This trunk does not appear to have even been mounted . It evidently was used for storage in the attic. Does anyone know what this trunk is worth in 2020? My wife does not have the same appreciation for such interesting "stuff". It looks even better than the pictures now that it has been cleaned and the chrome shined! I am located in Northern New Jersey. My cars are mainly later models. Running out of room. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Harley Posted November 10, 2020 Share Posted November 10, 2020 Nostalgic Reflections is still in business. I just looked them up on the Internet.☺️ Capt. Harley😉 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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