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Aluminium Flight Trunk with Wooden Slats, Zagreb’s Germany, 20th Century
$1,530.24
£1,120
€1,315.44
CA$2,125.97
A$2,286.78
CHF 1,222.12
MX$26,954.68
NOK 15,408.12
SEK 14,085.95
DKK 9,828.58
About the Item
Zarges Aluminium Flight Trunk with Wooden Slats, Germany, 20th Century
A robust and sculptural industrial aluminium flight trunk manufactured by ZARGES, Germany — one of Europe’s most respected producers of aerospace, expedition, and military-grade containers. Likely produced for TRACON operations (an abbreviation for Terminal Radar Approach Control), this piece would have originally served as a collapsible transport unit for radar, communications, or tactical equipment, possibly within NATO-aligned airbases during the Cold War era.
The trunk features embossed markings for both ZARGES and TRACON, along with serial number G1568. Crafted from riveted aluminium and reinforced with steel corner guards and original wooden support slats, it exemplifies durable engineering. The piece folds down completely flat, transforming from a substantial upright container into a streamlined storage form — an elegant solution designed for mobility and repeated deployment.
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Why we love it
This is more than just utilitarian storage — it’s a sculptural piece of military-industrial history. Its exposed construction and weathered materiality offer a powerful aesthetic that pairs beautifully with both minimalist and textural interiors. Use it upright as a plinth or cabinet, or laid flat as a coffee table or low console. Wherever it’s placed, it brings quiet authority and rugged elegance.
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Details
• Maker: ZARGES, Germany
• Markings: Embossed TRACON and serial code G1568
• Period: Mid to late 20th century
• Materials: Riveted aluminium, steel, wood, and leather
• Construction: Foldable with hinged system, locking side clasps, and reinforced corners
• Condition: Structurally excellent with visible age-related surface wear, minor oxidation, and patina from use
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Dimensions
Height 53cm × Width 112.5cm× Depth 56cm
Collapsed: Height 10cm× Width 112.5cm× Depth 56cm
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Styling Notes
Highly adaptable as a coffee table, console, plinth, bench, or sculptural storage piece. Perfect for loft-style interiors, Brutalist architecture, creative studios, or as a display base in gallery or retail environments. A rare industrial object with both visual strength and authentic provenance.
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Provenance
Manufactured by ZARGES, Germany — known for producing lightweight, aircraft-grade containers for military, aviation, and scientific use. This trunk was likely deployed under the TRACON programme, which managed radar and air-traffic control systems, suggesting a role in Cold War–era European operations.
- Dimensions:Height: 20.87 in (53 cm)Width: 44.3 in (112.5 cm)Depth: 22.05 in (56 cm)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:1980-1989
- Date of Manufacture:1980’s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. No structural issues, plenty of age related scratches.
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU2868323230092
About the Seller
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Established in 2015
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202 sales on 1stDibs
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- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Maldon, United Kingdom
- Return Policy
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