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Louis Vuitton Trunks and Luggage

Stackable travel trunks were the first products crafted by the renowned French luxury brand Louis Vuitton. Today, vintage Louis Vuitton trunks, which became available as railway travel was gaining popularity in the 1850s, are typically used as practical pieces of furniture or welcoming decor in modern homes.

The young Louis Vuitton (1821–92), who was born in Anchay, France, and founded his packing company in Paris in 1854 after apprenticing as a packer and box maker, began to make travel trunks as train travel expanded during the 19th century. Offering these new goods in his retail space on rue Neuve des Capucines would meet the demands of the clients who were shuffling on and off railcars in the country’s bustling capital. Trains as well as steamships were carrying travelers near and far, and Vuitton’s handcrafted rectangular trunks — an improvement on the standard round trunks, which didn’t store well — were soon coveted by the modern nomad. Initially, the wood trunks featured gray trianon canvas and, then, striped canvas of varying colors before they would proudly wear the famous Louis Vuitton monogram (integral to determining the authenticity of the brand’s revered handbags).

Louis Vuitton’s upright trunks — a variation on the brand’s first trunks that were introduced in 1858 — made for proper transportation of garments and doubled as actual wardrobes, ensuring that the finery of the day traveled wrinkle-free. Regardless of the orientation, the popular steamer trunks were equipped with bands to secure travel documents as well as convenient shelves and compartments of varying sizes for every possible traveling necessity, including barware.

In 1929, orchestra conductor Leopold Stokowski commissioned Georges Vuitton to design a special trunk. Georges was the only son of Louis Vuitton and had taken over the company’s operations when his father died in 1892. This special commission would yield no ordinary piece of luggage: Stokowski was music director of the Philadelphia orchestra, conducted the classical works for Walt Disney’s Fantasia and would help form the New York City Symphony.

He traveled the world with frequency and basically needed a portable office. Thus, the Secretaire Stokowski was covered in rugged canvas that was branded with the famous Louis Vuitton insignia, featured hardware in solid brass and stood over two feet tall. It was fitted with a foldout desk (subsequent models offered a desk finished in solid beech), drawers for sheet music and a box crafted specifically to hold Stokowski’s typewriter and more.

Today, Louis Vuitton’s furniture lines include sofas and edgy lounge chairs by the likes of designers such as Marcel Wanders and stools by Tokujin Yoshioka, but for vintage collectors and interior designers creating stylish living rooms, it’s usually all about the trunks.

Featuring exterior fabrics such as the brand’s signature Damier (French for checkerboard), heritage Louis Vuitton trunks nowadays add a rich air of nostalgia to contemporary homes more often than they do in private railcars. Whether they’re used as durable coffee tables, nightstands or case pieces, these time-tested steamer trunks are versatile. The right vintage Louis Vuitton trunk can prove a dynamic home accent for modern interiors or, nestled alongside distressed exposed brick walls, a sophisticated furnishing for rustic loft spaces. Find yours on 1stDibs today.

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Creator: Louis Vuitton
Pair Vintage 1920's, 30's Louis Vuitton Alzer 80 and 70 monogram luggage
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Buffalo, NY
Pair Vintage 1920's, 30's Louis Vuitton Alzer 80 and 70 monogram luggage .Original hardware/detailing with leather handles. Personalized hand pa...
Category

1930s French Art Deco Vintage Louis Vuitton Trunks and Luggage

Materials

Brass

20th Century Louis Vuitton Courier Trunk In Monogram Canvas, France c.1910
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Around the turn of the 19th and 20th century Louis Vuitton had established himself as a market leader in trunk making and needed to set his now famous brand apart from the imitators ...
Category

1910s French Other Vintage Louis Vuitton Trunks and Luggage

Materials

Brass

Antique 20thC Louis Vuitton "Malle Haute" Trunk In Woven Canvas, France c.1900
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Around the turn of the 19th and 20th century Louis Vuitton had established himself as a market leader in trunk making and needed to set his now famous brand apart from the imitators ...
Category

20th Century French Other Louis Vuitton Trunks and Luggage

Materials

Metal

Louis Vuitton Trunk 1913
By Louis Vuitton
Located in palm beach, FL
Exceptional Louis Vuitton wardrobe trunk features stenciled monogram canvas; brown loziné LV stamped solid brass locks and studs. Customized yellow and black stripes give a lot of ch...
Category

Early 20th Century French Louis Vuitton Trunks and Luggage

Materials

Bronze

Antique 19th Century Louis Vuitton Courier Trunk In Woven Canvas, France c.1896
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
This exceptional Louis Vuitton courier trunk, crafted in France circa 1896, is adorned with the very first woven Monogram canvas—produced for only a brief period at the close of the ...
Category

19th Century French Other Antique Louis Vuitton Trunks and Luggage

Materials

Brass

Antique 20th Century Louis Vuitton Shoe Trunk In Natural Cow Hide, France c.1910
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A very rare shoe trunk by Louis Vuitton dating to the early part of the 20th century (circa 1900/1910). Dating to the early part of the 20th century, covered not in the world famous ...
Category

20th Century French Other Louis Vuitton Trunks and Luggage

Materials

Brass

Pair of Authentic Louis Vuitton Luggage Pieces
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Authentic Louis Vuitton Luggage Pieces. Individually numbered, Pair of brass numbered keys included with both pieces. Can be mou...
Category

1960s French Vintage Louis Vuitton Trunks and Luggage

Materials

Brass

Antique 20thC Louis Vuitton Malle Haute Trunk In Monogram Canvas, France c.1910
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
An exquisite “malle haute“ (tall trunk) by Louis Vuitton, early 20th century. The malle haute is the largest of the standard sizes, any trunk larger than this one would have been cus...
Category

20th Century French Other Louis Vuitton Trunks and Luggage

Materials

Brass

Antique 20thC Louis Vuitton Malle Haute Trunk In Monogram Canvas, France c.1910
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
An exquisite “malle haute“ (tall trunk) by Louis Vuitton, early 20th century. The malle haute is the largest of the standard sizes, any trunk larger than this one would have been cus...
Category

20th Century French Other Louis Vuitton Trunks and Luggage

Materials

Brass

Louis Vuitton Suitcase Trunk with Key
By Louis Vuitton
Located in North Bergen, NJ
French, 20th century. A Louis Vuitton suitcase with a monogram canvas exterior, leather and brass-bound (all rivets and hardware are marked), opens to fitted interior with removable ...
Category

Early 20th Century Louis Vuitton Trunks and Luggage

20th Century Louis Vuitton Auto Trunk
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
20th Century Louis Vuitton car trunk covered in rare red Vuittonite Rexine. With LV stamped rivets, catches and locks, the outer case has some ...
Category

1930s French Art Deco Vintage Louis Vuitton Trunks and Luggage

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Antique 20th Century Louis Vuitton Hat Trunk In Monogram Canvas, Paris c.1900
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A superb example of an early 20th century Louis Vuitton hat trunk in the world famous monogrammed LV canvas. Complete with all its interior trays, this unusually sized trunk is in ve...
Category

20th Century French Other Louis Vuitton Trunks and Luggage

Materials

Brass

Louis Vuitton LV Monogram 'Fly-el' Suitcase, circa 1985
By Louis Vuitton
Located in London, GB
Louis Vuitton large ‘Fly-el’ suitcase in LV monogram pattern coated canvas with edges trimmed in lozine, a layered leather flat handle and unpolished brass fittings. Securing the li...
Category

1980s French Vintage Louis Vuitton Trunks and Luggage

Materials

Brass

20th Century Louis Vuitton Cabin Trunk In Monogram Canvas, France c.1930
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
An exquisite and complete Louis Vuitton trunk from the early part of the 20th century. An absolutely essential item for elite travellers of its time the trunk is adorned in the iconi...
Category

20th Century French Other Louis Vuitton Trunks and Luggage

Materials

Brass

FULLY RESTORED 1920 LOUIS VUITTON FRANCE WARDROBE STEAMER TRUNK STENCiL MONOGRAM
By Louis Vuitton
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely stunning fully restored original Louis Vuitton 1920 steamer wardrobe trunk originally owne...
Category

1920s French Art Deco Vintage Louis Vuitton Trunks and Luggage

Materials

Brass

Louis Vuitton trunks and luggage for sale on 1stDibs.

Louis Vuitton trunks and luggage are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of animal skin and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Louis Vuitton trunks and luggage, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original trunks and luggage by Louis Vuitton were created in the modern style in europe during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider trunks and luggage by Goyard, and Hermès. Prices for Louis Vuitton trunks and luggage can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $500 and can go as high as $73,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $11,949.
Questions About Louis Vuitton Trunks and Luggage
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    The Louis Vuitton Neverfull GM measures 15.6’’ long by 12.8’’ high by 7.9’’ wide. It is the largest size of the Neverfull bag model. Shop for the classic Louis Vuitton Neverfull bag from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Louis Vuitton is renowned for its luxury products, from bags and shoes to scarves and fashion. The brand is famous for durability, exceptionally high-quality materials and its unmistakable logo and patterns. Find a wide range of expertly authenticated Louis Vuitton pieces on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Vachetta is a kind of leather used by Louis Vuitton. It is cowhide leather that has been left untreated, and gains a luxurious patina over time when cared for properly. Browse an assortment of authentic Louis Vuitton products crafted from Vachetta leather on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 20, 2024
    To 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, Louis Vuitton still makes trunks. In fact, the iconic trunk and designer brand celebrated their 200th anniversary in 2021 with 200 trunks designed by a variety of celebrities and artists. Find vintage and contemporary Louis Vuitton trunks from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Yes, Louis Vuitton handbags are typically cheaper in France. On 1stDibs, however, you can find Louis Vuitton handbags at a range of prices.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2024
    How you can tell how old a Louis Vuitton trunk is varies based on whether or not it has a serial number. Trunks made starting in 2000 have a six-digit serial number consisting of two characters separated from a group of four characters by a hyphen. In the grouping that appears after the hyphen, the second and fourth numbers tell you the year of production, while the first and third numbers correspond to the week that the trunk was produced. For example, 1221 would mean that Louis Vuitton made the trunk during the 12th week of 2021. If your trunk has a serial number in a different format, experts recommend contacting Louis Vuitton directly for assistance with dating. You will usually need to provide images of your trunk and proof of purchase. For antique and vintage trunks that lack a serial number, look for the address of the retailer that sold them printed on a label inside. You can then research when this retailer was in business to get a rough idea of your trunk's age. Alternatively, you can have a certified appraiser or other knowledgeable expert assist you with the dating process. On 1stDibs, explore a variety of Louis Vuitton trunks.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    The Neverfull MM is one of Louis Vuitton's most popular bags. It is not being discontinued.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    For its return policy, Louis Vuitton offers complimentary returns and exchanges within 30 days. The item needs to be in pristine condition with its original packaging. Shop a collection of vintage and new Louis Vuitton designs from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    The date code on Louis Vuitton products refers to the place and date the item was made. Generally, the two letters indicate the location and the four numbers pertain to the date. As of March 2021, date codes have been replaced by microchips. Shop a selection of Louis Vuitton items on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    The MM part of a Louis Vuitton bag name stands for Moyen Modéle. This term is French and translates to Medium Model, meaning that the bag is a medium-sized piece. Shop for authentic Louis Vuitton bags of any size on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 21, 2024
    No, Louboutins are not from Louis Vuitton. The French luxury fashion house Christian Louboutin produces the pumps with the iconic red bottoms. Designer Christian Louboutin founded the brand in 1992. Louis Vuitton is a separate fashion house based in Paris, France. Designer Louis Vuitton established the luxury brand in 1854. Find a range of Christian Louboutin shoes and accessories on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 7, 2024
    Yes, you typically can return items purchased directly from Louis Vuitton online or in a brand-owned retail store, provided you didn't use or damage them. Normally, Louis Vuitton places a limit on how long you have to return items. Check the information included with the item for specific return policies. You’ll find a large selection of Louis Vuitton on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 16, 2024
    The 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 ExpertApril 5, 2022
    The Louis Vuitton Vivienne is the mascot of the luxury brand. She is a playful character fashioned in the likeness of Louis Vuitton’s popular floral motif. Vivienne appears in a range of colors and prints on Louis Vuitton clothing and accessories. Shop a wide range of Louis Vuitton garments and accessories on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 16, 2024
    No, Louboutin is not the same as Louis Vuitton. Although their names do sound similar, Christian Louboutin and Louis Vuitton are different fashion houses, both based in Paris. Designer Louis Vuitton founded Louis Vuitton in 1854, while designer Christian Louboutin established Christian Louboutin in 1992. Shop a diverse assortment of Christian Louboutin and Louis Vuitton pieces on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Louis Vuitton bags are so expensive due to their exquisite craftsmanship and durable materials. Additionally, the production of Louis Vuitton products is limited, which also increases the brands prices.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 16, 2024
    What 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 ExpertMarch 3, 2023
    The history of Louis Vuitton began in 1854 when Louis Vuitton opened a shop on rue Neuve des Capucines in Paris. He started off packing valuables for wealthy clients and went on to design steamer trunks for travel. In 1896, the company introduced its still-famous monogram print, and it continued to produce bags and luggage for the next 100 years. When Marc Jacobs took over as creative director in 1997, he created the first ready-to-wear line for Louis Vuitton. During the 2000s and 2010s, the brand introduced a number of iconic handbag designs, including the Multicolore and the Twist. Shop a collection of Louis Vuitton pieces from some of the world's best boutiques on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 7, 2024
    The current CEO of Louis Vuitton is Bernard Arnault. He has been the chief executive of Louis Vuitton as well as several other major luxury brands since 1989. Browse the large collection of authentic Louis Vuitton products on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 7, 2024
    No, Louis Vuitton products are never marked down — and unless they are secondhand, any discounted Louis Vuitton items are likely to be counterfeit. To ensure you purchase authentic, high quality Louis Vuitton products, look for a reputable seller. Shop authentic Louis Vuitton handbags and purses, clothing and accessories from top sellers around the world on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 7, 2024
    No, Louis Vuitton is not Italian. The iconic luxury brand is French.

    The company's modest origins can be traced back to when its founder, Louis Vuitton, wishing to free himself from the conventional lifestyle in his provincial French city of Anchay as well as a difficult stepmother, left in the early 1830s to make a new life in Paris. When he arrived in the capital city, Vuitton made a living with his hands. He toiled as a box maker and packer for more than a decade and built relationships with royals and members of the upper class while working for the empress of France, Eugenie de Montijo. In 1854, Vuitton launched his namesake company.

    The French corporation LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton is the owner of Louis Vuitton.

    Find vintage Louis Vuitton trunks, handbags, clothing and accessories on 1stDibs.

  • 1stDibs ExpertJanuary 4, 2022
    Bernard Arnault is the Chairman and CEO of Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy, commonly referred to as LVMH. The luxury empire also includes the fashion houses of Christian Dior, Fendi and Givenchy. Arnault was born in Roubaix, France in 1949 and has been the Chairman and CEO of LVMH since 1989.
    1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    The French corporation LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton is the owner of Louis Vuitton. Its CEO and Chairman of the Board is Bernard Arnault as of December 2021. LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton is a publicly traded company owned by its shareholders. Find a large collection of Louis Vuitton on 1stDibs.
    1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Louis Vuitton is owned by the holding company LVMH Moët Hennessy – Louis Vuitton. Since 1989, the chairman has been Bernard Arnault. Find authentic vintage and modern Louis Vuitton pieces from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
    1stDibs ExpertMarch 6, 2024
    Bernard Arnault is the Chairman and CEO of Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy, commonly referred to as LVMH. The luxury empire also includes the fashion houses of Christian Dior, Fendi and Givenchy. Arnault was born in Roubaix, France in 1949 and has been the Chairman and CEO of LVMH since 1989.
    1stDibs ExpertMarch 6, 2024
    The French corporation LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton is the owner of Louis Vuitton. Its CEO and Chairman of the Board is Bernard Arnault as of December 2021. LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton is a publicly traded company owned by its shareholders. Find a large collection of Louis Vuitton on 1stDibs.
    1stDibs ExpertMarch 6, 2024
    Louis Vuitton is owned by the holding company LVMH Moët Hennessy – Louis Vuitton. Since 1989, the chairman has been Bernard Arnault. Find authentic vintage and modern Louis Vuitton pieces from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2023
    Yes, Louis Vuitton earrings are real. The French luxury fashion house uses 18-karat white gold, yellow gold and rose gold to produce jewelry. Some pieces also feature genuine diamonds, gemstones or mother-of-pearl. Find a collection of Louis Vuitton earrings from some of the world's top dealers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 7, 2024
    Yes, if they’re post-1980. Modern Louis Vuitton products have date codes that indicate the country of manufacture and the time of year it was made. The date codes are usually tucked away in seams or pockets. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a large collection of authentic Louis Vuitton products from some of the world’s top sellers.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    How you wear a Louis Vuitton scarf comes down to a matter of preference. The various designs and styles can be wrapped around your neck on cooler days or simply worn loose around your shoulders. You’ll find a variety of Louis Vuitton scarves from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 14, 2023
    Yes, Louis Vuitton makes earrings. The French luxury fashion house offers a wide range of earring styles featuring fine materials like yellow gold, white gold, rose gold and diamonds. Many of the pieces incorporate the Louis Vuitton monogram and the brand's iconic flower emblem. Explore an assortment of Louis Vuitton earrings on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    While Louis Vuitton does not offer a leather-goods warranty on its products, repairs are offered free of charge upon assessment. You can fill out a repair request on Louis Vuitton’s website. Find vintage and contemporary Louis Vuitton bags from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Store your Louis Vuiton bag at room temperature, and away from light and moisture. Do not hang it when storing it, but instead set it on a flat surface with the strap neatly rolled up inside. Stuff it with tissue or fabric to help it maintain its shape. It is always best to clean it before storing and take it out monthly to air it out. Browse through a selection of authentic Louis Vuitton handbags on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Louis 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Epi leather is one of the first leather lines created by Louis Vuitton. It is a type of pressed leather where a pattern is stamped into the leather after it is dyed and finished with a protective coating. Originally used for its luggage lines, Epi leather is durable and water-resistant, making it a mainstay for Louis Vuitton handbags and wallets. Shop a variety of Louis Vuitton Epi leather goods on 1stDibs.

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