• This impressive C.A. Taylor touring trunk, offered by Pearl City Antiques, belonged to John B. Cordaro, reed player for the Paul Whiteman Orchestra, circa 1930s. Featuring vintage wooden construction with metal reinforcements and boldly labeled “J. CORRARO” and “PAUL WHITEMANS BAND” in striking orange on the lid, this historic trunk was once used during the golden age of big band music.
  • A c. 1930s C.A. Taylor touring trunk, once belonging to John B. Cordaro of the Paul Whiteman Orchestra, featuring metal reinforcements, a brass lock, and theater-related text on the front and top. Offered by Pearl City Antiques, the vintage wooden trunk is displayed on a wooden floor against a plain white background.
  • A large C.A. Taylor Touring Trunk of John B. Cordaro, the Paul Whiteman Orchestra reed player from the 1930s, offered by Pearl City Antiques, with black metal accents and a sturdy latch, sits on a wooden floor beside a patterned rug in a bright room with white walls—capturing the spirit of big band music’s golden era.
  • A Pearl City Antiques C.A. Taylor Touring Trunk, once belonging to John B. Cordaro, reed player for the Paul Whiteman Orchestra circa 1930s, stands on a hardwood floor beside a patterned rug in a sunlit room—its classic metal reinforcements and brass latch capturing the stylish spirit of the big band era when orchestras traveled in elegance.
  • This c. 1930s C.A. Taylor touring trunk, offered by Pearl City Antiques, belonged to John B. Cordaro, reed player for the famed Paul Whiteman Orchestra. Crafted from vintage wood with striking black metal accents, the trunk features “J. COTTARO” and “PAUL WHITEMANS BAND” painted in bold yellow lettering on the top—an authentic tribute to the golden age of big band music and its legendary performers. Positioned on a wooden floor beside a rug, this piece captures the spirit of storied travels and rich
  • A weathered, vintage theatre poster adorns the C.A. Taylor Touring Trunk of John B. Cordaro, a reed player for the Paul Whiteman Orchestra, c. 1930s—now offered by Pearl City Antiques. The aged poster bears faint names like JACK PEARL, PAUL WHITEMAN ORCHESTRA, BOSWELL SISTERS, and THEATRE; its frayed edges and missing sections evoke memories of a bygone era in big band music.
  • A close-up of a worn, peeling label on a textured brown surface—likely the lid of the C.A. Taylor Touring Trunk belonging to John B. Cordaro, reed player for the Paul Whiteman Orchestra (c. 1930s), offered by Pearl City Antiques. Some typed text is visible, including “257 East Jericho,” but much of the label is faded or missing, hinting at travels with big band ensembles during that storied musical era.
  • Close-up of a worn brass label reading “Taylor Trunk Works,” with numbers and locations for Chicago and New York, attached to a textured, vintage C.A. Taylor Touring Trunk of John B. Cordaro—reed player for the Paul Whiteman Orchestra—dating from the 1930s and offered by Pearl City Antiques, featuring wood and metal details that evoke the golden age of big band music.
  • An open vintage C.A. Taylor Touring Trunk of John B. Cordaro, Paul Whiteman Orchestra reed player (c. 1930s), offered by Pearl City Antiques, rests on a wooden floor. Its metal accents frame an empty interior lined with worn wood and fabric—a silent testament to its travels with one of America’s legendary big band ensembles. Inside the lid, a period label is affixed, hinting at stories and journeys from another era.
  • A vintage certificate from Pearl City Antiques authenticates the C.A. Taylor Touring Trunk of John B. Cordaro, reed player for the Paul Whiteman Orchestra, circa 1930s. The document is adorned with elegant text, a gold seal, and original signatures, all set against a textured, neutral background reminiscent of classic touring trunk memorabilia.
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Pearl City Antiques

C.A. Taylor Touring Trunk of John B. Cordaro, Paul Whiteman Orchestra Reed Player, c. 1930s

C.A. Taylor Touring Trunk of John B. Cordaro, Paul Whiteman Orchestra Reed Player, c. 1930s

$2,950.00 USD
$0.00 USD $2,950.00 USD
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Details at a Glance

Date
c. 1930s
Material
Wood frame; leatherette; iron straps; brass fittings
Dimensions
25h x 34w x 22d inches
Condition
Scuffs, scratches and paint loss. Original leather carrying handles missing; front lock replaced.
Delivery
Quote required before purchase. Free Westfield, MA pickup by appointment.

Carefully selected for its quality, character, and lasting appeal.

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This remarkable C.A. Taylor touring trunk is a tangible piece of American musical history, carrying the story of John B. Cordaro, a reed player with the legendary Paul Whiteman Orchestra during the 1930s. Hand-painted boldly across the lid are “J. Cordaro” and “Paul Whiteman’s Band,” transforming what was once a hardworking piece of luggage into an extraordinary artifact from the golden age of big band music. With its documented connection to one of America’s most celebrated orchestras, this trunk offers both historical significance and undeniable visual appeal.

Built by the respected C.A. Taylor Trunk Works, the trunk features a sturdy wooden frame covered in leatherette with iron reinforcing straps, decorative corner hardware, and brass fittings designed to withstand years of rail travel. The vibrant hand-painted lettering remains its defining feature, while traces of period travel labels and honest wear serve as reminders of its life on the road. Its generous size makes it equally well suited today as a coffee table, blanket chest, or statement storage piece, bringing authentic Jazz Age history into the home.

The trunk is in nice antique condition, consistent with age and normal use. It retains a wonderful, well-traveled patina with expected scuffs, scratches, paint loss, and other age-related wear that enhance its authenticity. The original leather carrying handles are no longer present, and the front lock was replaced at some point during its long working life. These practical repairs are entirely consistent with a trunk that saw years of professional use and do not detract from its outstanding historical character or decorative appeal. 25h x 34w x 22d

Local delivery available for a fee or pick up Westfield MA

Every shipped item requires an individual quote before purchase. Please contact Pearl City Antiques with your full delivery address and any stairs, elevators, or special access needs. Smaller pieces receive custom packing and ship through our trusted shipping partner. Please wait for us to confirm the shipping cost before paying. See our Shipping & Delivery Policy.

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