Chests And Trunks
Early 20th Century American Machine Age Trunks and Luggage
Brass
Vintage 1980s Indian Bohemian Trunks and Luggage
Brass, Enamel
Early 20th Century American Victorian Trunks and Luggage
Metal
Antique 1880s French Gothic Revival Blanket Chests
Oak
Vintage 1960s Hong Kong Chinoiserie Trunks and Luggage
Brass
Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Trunks and Luggage
Wood, Lacquer
Antique 1860s English Victorian Trunks and Luggage
Bronze
Antique Mid-19th Century Victorian Trunks and Luggage
Oak
Antique Late 17th Century Brazilian Trunks and Luggage
Brass, Iron
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Trunks and Luggage
Teak
Mid-20th Century Victorian Trunks and Luggage
Leather
Antique 19th Century Mexican Trunks and Luggage
Wood, Lacquer
Antique 18th Century German Baroque Trunks and Luggage
Iron
Antique 1880s Romanian Folk Art Trunks and Luggage
Wrought Iron
Vintage 1970s Belgian Bohemian Trunks and Luggage
Papercord
Mid-20th Century Japanese Trunks and Luggage
Wood
Antique 16th Century Italian Renaissance Trunks and Luggage
Wood, Oak
Antique 19th Century Mexican Trunks and Luggage
Wood, Lacquer
Early 20th Century Chinese Rustic Trunks and Luggage
Metal
Antique 19th Century Korean Chinese Export Trunks and Luggage
Brass
Antique 1880s Hungarian Folk Art Trunks and Luggage
Pine
Antique Early 1700s Spanish Trunks and Luggage
Leather
Early 20th Century Zanzibari Early Victorian Trunks and Luggage
Copper
Mid-20th Century Indian Trunks and Luggage
Brass
Antique 1860s East Asian Trunks and Luggage
Brass, Copper
Mid-20th Century Japanese Trunks and Luggage
Rope, Wood
Antique 1850s Romanian Folk Art Trunks and Luggage
Beech
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Trunks and Luggage
Wood
Antique Late 19th Century English Trunks and Luggage
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century American Trunks and Luggage
Wood
Antique 19th Century French Trunks and Luggage
Wood
Antique Late 19th Century Blanket Chests
Brass
Antique Mid-18th Century South American Trunks and Luggage
Iron
Early 20th Century Korean Trunks and Luggage
Brass
Early 20th Century Korean Trunks and Luggage
Brass
Late 20th Century Post-Modern Trunks and Luggage
Horn, Wood
Early 20th Century Chinese Trunks and Luggage
Brass
Antique 1820s American Federal Trunks and Luggage
Silver, Iron
Early 20th Century Moroccan Trunks and Luggage
Iron
Antique 1850s French Rustic Trunks and Luggage
Pine
Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Chinese Export Trunks and Luggage
Wood
Antique 1820s English Regency Blanket Chests
Steel
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Trunks and Luggage
Wood, Rattan, Wicker, Bamboo
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Trunks and Luggage
Oak, Cedar
Vintage 1960s Moroccan Moorish Trunks and Luggage
Velvet
Vintage 1940s American Trunks and Luggage
Wood
Antique 19th Century English Trunks and Luggage
Mahogany
Antique Early 19th Century North American American Colonial Trunks and L...
Oak
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Trunks and Luggage
Aluminum
Antique 1890s European Georgian Trunks and Luggage
Oak
Antique Early 1900s Arts and Crafts Trunks and Luggage
Wicker
Mid-20th Century Unknown Art Deco Trunks and Luggage
Metal
Antique 19th Century Victorian Trunks and Luggage
Canvas
Late 20th Century Chinese Trunks and Luggage
Wood, Paint
Vintage 1940s Chinese Chinoiserie Trunks and Luggage
Wood
Antique 19th Century English Trunks and Luggage
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century Syrian Moorish Trunks and Luggage
Ormolu
Antique 19th Century American Country Trunks and Luggage
Wood
Antique 1830s American Trunks and Luggage
Iron
Antique Late 18th Century Chinese Qing Trunks and Luggage
Metal
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Chests And Trunks For Sale on 1stDibs
Finding the Right Trunks-luggage for You
Add a charming piece of travel history to your space. Antique and vintage trunks and luggage can make a statement as decorative accents and practical furnishings in nearly every room of your home.
There have been many types of trunks and luggage over the years, with availability of these wares broadening as train travel expanded during the 19th century. Antique steamer trunks — named for their use on steamships — mostly date from around 1880 to 1920. These pieces of luggage fit a steamship’s luggage size regulations and essentially doubled as wardrobes, ensuring that a traveler’s evening dresses and suits were kept wrinkle-free on a journey from city to city.
In 1858, French luxury brand Louis Vuitton introduced the world to the now-iconic Louis Vuitton trunks. During this early period of railroad travel, Louis Vuitton trunks solved common travel problems. Instead of the traditional round shape, these handcrafted rectangular trunks stored better on trains. To discourage burglars, the French craftsman and his son, Georges, also eventually patented a revolutionary sophisticated lock for the trunks. The famous LV monogram was first used in 1896 as part of an initiative by Georges to prevent counterfeiting of his coveted travel trunks.
Even if no longer used for travel, the vintage luggage is a popular item among collectors for its historical value and charm. At home, an old wood trunk is a durable storage solution as much as it is a versatile surface. It’s a coffee table in the living room of your farmhouse-style home or rustic loft apartment and a nightstand or blanket chest at the foot of your bed in your bedroom.
From Victorian trunks to Art Deco traveling jewelry cases, journey through history today with an extensive collection of antique trunk suitcases and vintage luggage on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 20, 2024The difference between a chest and a trunk is mostly portability. Both terms describe storage furniture often crafted out of wood, but their functions are different. A chest normally goes in a bedroom, living room or other space and serves as a permanent piece of furniture in a home. On the other hand, a trunk usually features heavy-duty craftsmanship and a more portable design. Originally, trunks were used as luggage for travel. However, today, many people use them as permanent furniture, just like chests. Find a wide range of chests and trunks on 1stDibs.
- What is Goyard trunk?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022In 1792, the House of Martin was a well-known trunk maker creating trunks and other leather goods for the French. The company was renamed in 1853 after Francois Goyard took over the business. Goyard is still in business and known for its artisanal craftsmanship and the scarcity of this luxe brand. Rather than mass-producing products like its competition, Goyard is happy to create trunks one at a time, and often with custom specifications. Find a collection of vintage and modern Goyard bags and trunks on 1stDibs.
- What is a mule trunk?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A mule trunk is a trunk featuring a chest-like top section and two or three drawers built into the lower portion. This made it easy to access items in the bottom of the trunk. Browse an array of antique mule trunks on 1stDibs.
- What is a Goyard trunk?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Serving the packing needs of French travellers, Goyard began producing its luxury trunks in 1792 under the name House of Martin. The trunks are characterized by their hand-painted monograms, unique motifs and stripes. Shop a collection of antique Goyard trunks from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023You can do a variety of things with old metal trunks. Use one in place of your coffee table in the living room or add a cushion and throw pillows to transform it into a bench. Lift the lid and add supports and cushions to create a one-of-a-kind accent chair, or position it beside your bed as a nightstand. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of metal trunks.
- What is an old steamer trunk?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022An old steamer trunk is a type of luggage. Most often, it has a rectangle or domed shape. Its purpose was to carry clothing and other personal belongings while traveling. The name comes from the fact that most often, their owners traveled via steam ship. Shop a selection of antique steamer trunks on 1stDibs.
- What are steamer trunks worth?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021Steamer trunks can be worth as much as $3,000 depending on the quality and condition. Some renowned fashion houses, such as Goyard and Louis Vuitton, have designed steamer trunks that are worth as much as $45,000. Find a range of antique and vintage steamer trunks on 1stDibs.
- What is a Louis Vuitton trunk?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 16, 2024The Louis Vuitton trunk is a hard-sided piece of luggage with a rectangular shape and a hinged lid. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, the French luxury fashion house's trunks saw use as travel accessories, with people using them to carry their personal belongings on long voyages via ship. Today, Louis Vuitton trunks are more commonly used as decorative storage solutions in homes. On 1stDibs, find a variety of Louis Vuitton trunks.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023You can line a steamer trunk with a variety of materials. Paper is a simple solution for lining, but you can also use fabrics like velvet to protect items stored inside. Find a range of steamer trunks from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022To identify your steamer trunk, look inside the lid, along the interior and on the bottom for a stamp that indicates the manufacturer. Popular makers of steamer trunks included Clinton, Goyard, Hartmann, Louis Vuitton, Malloy, Moynat, Oshkosh, Taylor and Truesdale. On 1stDibs, find a variety of expertly vetted steamer trunks.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 16, 2024What Louis Vuitton trunks are used for today differs from their original purpose. Today, most people use the sturdy, hard-sided trunks as decorative storage furniture in their homes. However, 19th-century versions were for travelers taking long trips, usually by ship. The size and durability of the trunks made them ideal for safely transporting personal items. Find a diverse assortment of Louis Vuitton trunks on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Although steamer trunks are no longer used for traveling, they are still produced as a way to store valuables and as a storage solution. Steamer trunks were widely used in the late 18th century throughout the early 20th century as a way to transport clothes and other personal belongings and were meant to bridge the gap between luggage and storage. Shop a wide range of vintage and contemporary steamer trunks on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 20, 2024To tell a Louis Vuitton trunk apart from other trunks, look inside. Even antique travel trunks produced by the French luxury fashion house will typically include a label that identifies the maker. Many trunks made in 1896 or later show off Louis Vuitton's signature monogram canvas on their exteriors or linings as well. Explore a collection of Louis Vuitton trunks on 1stDibs.
- How much are old trunks worth?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021The value of a trunk depends on the condition, style, size, and make. Usually fully restored American made trunks can be anywhere from $300 to $900. A vintage French made trunk will usually be more than $2,000. There are plenty of vintage trunks to be found on 1stDibs.
- Did Louis Vuitton make trunks?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Louis Vuitton is particularly known for making high-end trunks in the company’s early years. The first trunk crafted by Louis Vuiton was made in 1858. Browse a collection of authentic vintage Louis Vuitton trunks from top sellers worldwide on 1sDibs.
- What is a dower chest?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021A dower chest — also called a dowry chest or hope chest — is a Pennsylvania Dutch chest, a piece of furniture traditionally used by young women to store items in anticipation of married life. Find a collection of antique and vintage dowry chests on 1stDibs.
- What is a demilune chest?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A demilune chest is a type of case good furniture that features a straight back and a curved front. Most feature rows of drawers, cabinet doors or a mix of the two types of storage. Demilune comes from the French word for half moon and refers to the shape of the chests. Shop a range of demilune chests on 1stDibs.
- What is a bonnet chest?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A bonnet chest is a chest of drawers that has a space for hats. Typically, this larger drawer or area is in the center space and toward the top. Bonnet chests get their name for their function not their shape, as there is no one standard shape for a bonnet chest. Shop a collection of vintage and antique furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- What is a bombe chest?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMay 22, 2019
A bombe chest is a set of drawers that bulges outward in the front and on the sides. The style, whose name comes from French word bombé, meaning “curved,” originated in 17th-century France.
- What is a bachelor’s chest?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertJanuary 23, 2019
A bachelor’s chest is a low chest of drawers. Its name comes from the fact that it was originally designed to provide multipurpose storage for a single man with a small living space.
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