Dear Don,
Had one for many years.

Abbott's made slightly different versions, depending on the trunk wood stock
they had at the time. The "modern" canvas covered effect started in the early
1950's....made for great picture ads in their catalogs. All the wood stock was
very heavy and all were top loaders....the canvas quality varied from time to
time but most featured sewn in metal rings & gromlets.

In the 1960's, when acts started featuring performers who emphasized SPEED
(especially important for TV/club spot dates) in the effect the canvas covered
aspect just took up too much time and hence fell out of favor. Many of these
trunks were sold as used magic at auctions during the 1970's/80's with & without
the cloth, in many cases the owner(s) never even realizing the trunk was
originally specifically designed for the "Canvas Covered Box" effect. Performers
unloaded these in droves in favor of employing the smaller, lighter, more
modern looking sub trunks seen today, especially those featuring back loaders which
are easier to perform.

Since your box does not break down.....I suggest loading your other props in
it during transportation. Its a lovely piece of magic....and a strong
effect....hope you can get some gigs where you will have the time to occasionally
perform the whole routine, instead of having to just throw it away as a "flash"
sub trunk routine.

Best regards,
Gale Molovinsky