Hi Folks,

I'm interested in finding a vintage looking/vaudeville style suitcase or trunk that would look good on stage and be easy to transport. It will probably be used for an average-size soft puppet, so it need not be overly large. I'm not really interested in an actual vintage case; that would probably be too heavy (and perhaps smelly). Instead, a pretty light, durable, vintage looking case. Any ideas where I could find one?

In addition, I'm interested in buying one of Kevin Detweiler's performance stands seen here http://animatedpuppets.blogspot.com/ (the basic one below the "talking stand"). I know from this forum that Al Good sells great stands, but I prefer the simple style of Kevin's. I'd order one with just the basic black top (no fringe). Does anyone here have any experience with Kevin's stands?

Thanks!

Try eBay, search for vintage trunk, and then after you search vintage, look on top and different variations of the search by clicking “Related search” options.

To save shipping costs, try to filter the items by sort by “Distance Nearest First” I am sure you will find what you want.

Good Luck

Real vintage trunks are hard to find in good condition. If I was after that look, I would try to find a modern reproduction or buy a new one and have it distressed as they say in the antique world.

Al will happily make you a top sans fringe.

Thanks for the responses, guys!

It really is easy to make your own stand for a lot less than the price of buying one.

As for vintage trunks/suitcases the right size for figures, that's a bit tougher. That's what I look for when looking for a case for a figure because there's nothing new it seems that's the right size.
(whoops! I just reread the op and see it was for a soft figure, I was thinking in terms of hard figures.)
Anyway, there seems to have been a lot made around the 40's and 50's that happen to be a great size for figures, but older trunks and suitcases are harder to get because it seems that a lot of people are apparently buying them as decorative items.

I bought a nice real vintage suitcase for my hard figure, Henry, on e-bay. I spent about $35 for it. It's hard to find them big enough for a full size figure, and it's hard to win the bid because they are sought after. The one I got didn't stink and is in good shape. It's well made so it's actually safe for Henry to travel in, but I typically use a padded modern case for him if I plan on doing any serious moving with him. It's primarily a stage prop that can be used for transport under most circumstances. It's one of those canvas covered hard cases with the stripe that was popular in the 40's and 50's. For a soft figure though, you don't have to consider the strength of the case as carefully. So for a vintage look case, I'd suggest Hobby Lobby.

http://shop.hobbylobby.com/home-accents/storage/boxes/

There are several pages of really excellent looking (and fairly well made) boxes and cases here. Maybe something will work for you.

Thank you all!

Mr. Pitts, I appreciate the link. Those cases look very cool.

Pay attention to size, though, Keith. I bought four cases at Hobby Lobby that I'm getting ready to replace with some by Clinton (Nothing wrong with the cases except for some bad handles and dodgy clasps, but I've replaced those). I bought 'em at the local HL, so I recognize the cases in Mr. Pitts' link. A lot of 'em are smaller than one might think. Still, if you watch closely, some pretty good (and cheap) stuff comes up at HL.

-Philip

Ah, thanks for the heads-up Phillip!