• A vintage CA Taylor touring trunk, c. 1930s, owned by John B. Cordaro—reed player in the Paul Whiteman Orchestra—a unique piece of big band history.
  • A c. 1930s CA Taylor Touring Trunk of John B. Cordaro, Paul Whiteman Orchestra reed player, features metal reinforcements and a brass lock—its faded lettering reflects a storied big band music past, displayed on a wooden floor.
  • A vintage CA Taylor Touring Trunk of John B. Cordaro, Paul Whiteman Orchestra reed player (c. 1930s), with black metal accents and latches, rests on a wooden floor beside a patterned rug and against a white wall.
  • A large CA Taylor Touring Trunk owned by John B. Cordaro, reed player for the Paul Whiteman Orchestra (c. 1930s), sits on a wooden floor near a patterned rug, marked with travel wear and vintage labels.
  • The CA Taylor C.A. Taylor Touring Trunk of John B. Cordaro, Paul Whiteman Orchestra reed player from the 1930s features metal reinforcements and painted labels, shown on a wooden floor next to a patterned rug.
  • A close-up of a worn, vintage poster on the C.A. Taylor Touring Trunk of John B. Cordaro, Paul Whiteman Orchestra reed player (c. 1930s), with faded text evoking the golden age of big band music and names like JACK PEARL and BOSWELL SISTERS.
  • A close-up of a worn brown CA Taylor touring trunk belonging to John B. Cordaro, reed player for the Paul Whiteman Orchestra, c. 1930s. Its faded label reads “257 East Jericho t...N.Y.,” evoking its musical history.
  • A close-up of a worn brass nameplate on a CA Taylor Touring Trunk owned by John B. Cordaro, Paul Whiteman Orchestra reed player, c. 1930s, reading “Taylor Trunk Works, Chicago, New York,” riveted to aged leather and wood.
  • A vintage CA Taylor Touring Trunk of John B. Cordaro, reed player for the Paul Whiteman Orchestra (c. 1930s), with metal reinforcements and a fabric-lined lid, sits open on a wooden floor, its label recalling classic big band tours.
  • A vintage Certificate of Guarantee from CA Taylor, with decorative text, gold seal, and signatures on aged paper—once inside the C.A. Taylor Touring Trunk of John B. Cordaro, reed player for the Paul Whiteman Orchestra, c. 1930s.
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CA Taylor

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

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

$2,950.00 USD
$0.00 USD $2,950.00 USD
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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

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