Antique French Louis-Vuitton Alzer Suitcase on Modern Stand, France, circa 1920
View Similar Items
Antique French Louis-Vuitton Alzer Suitcase on Modern Stand, France, circa 1920
About the Item
- Creator:Louis Vuitton (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 19.3 in (49 cm)Width: 29.93 in (76 cm)Depth: 18.12 in (46 cm)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1920
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Vienna, AT
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU166528479783
Louis Vuitton
The story behind iconic luxury brand Louis Vuitton — best known for its esteemed handbags, crossbody bags, leather goods, ready-to-wear clothing and more — is one of craft and innovation in the worlds of fashion, jewelry and furniture.
The company’s modest origins can be traced back to when its founder, Louis Vuitton (1821–92), 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. The young Vuitton was 13 at the time and would need to travel on foot to get to the capital, which was hundreds of miles away. With stops along the way to make money so that he could forge ahead, the journey took a couple of years, but reward was close at hand.
When he arrived in Paris, 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 craftsman opened a humble workshop on rue Neuve des Capucines and advertised his services with a small poster that read: “Securely packs the most fragile objects. Specializing in packing fashions.”
Long before his brand would become known globally for its exemplary top-handle bags and stylish totes, Vuitton produced stackable and rectangular trunks. The most common trunks of the era were round, which weren’t ideal for toting and storing. In 1858, Vuitton debuted his lightweight, handcrafted canvas trunks, which were sturdy, rugged and equipped with convenient compartments. Travel’s popularity broadened in the late 19th century, and Vuitton’s trunks could easily be packed into train cars and ships — upright trunks meant hanging wardrobe storage that would allow his clients to transport their sophisticated garments without worry. Demand increased and the company grew. When Louis Vuitton died in 1892, control of the luxury house was passed onto his only son, Georges Vuitton.
In 1914, a Louis Vuitton store opened at 70 Champs-Élysées. The largest travel-goods store in the world at the time, it became the company’s flagship.
The Louis Vuitton brand embodies all the attributes of luxury, from the craftsmanship, exclusivity and relevance to heritage. It’s only appropriate that it boasts one of the most recognizable insignias — the imaginative interlocking of letters and fleurettes — in the fashion world. The famous LV monogram was first used in 1896 as part of an initiative by Georges to prevent counterfeiting of his coveted new line of travel trunks. It’s one of the earliest examples of fashion branding.
The LV monogram would soon appear on everything from bags and various fashion accessories to alligator-skin champagne cases, from stylish apparel and earrings to teddy bears and airplane models.
On 1stDibs, the unmistakable insignia can be found on both modern and vintage Louis Vuitton shoulder bags, suitcases, original 19th-century trunks, jackets and more.
- Louis Vuitton SuitcaseBy Louis VuittonLocated in New York, NYLuis Vuitton suitcase.Category
Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Trunks and Luggage
MaterialsLeather
$4,200 - Louis Vuitton Jewel Case, circa 1920By Louis VuittonLocated in London, GBA rare and beautiful Louis Vuitton pigskin leather jewel case with suede lining and canvas cover meaning that the case is in exceptionally good condition. Includes original key. Cir...Category
Vintage 1920s French Jewelry Boxes
MaterialsBrass
- 20th Century Louis Vuitton Cabin Trunk in Monogram Canvas, France, circa 1930By Louis VuittonLocated in Royal Tunbridge Wells, KentThis example is a Louis Vuitton trunk that dates to around 1910. It is covered in the world famous LV monogrammed canvas, with its leather borders and brass fittings this trunk would...Category
20th Century French Decorative Boxes
MaterialsLeather, Canvas
- Japanese Modern Silver Box on StandLocated in New York, NYJapanese Modern silver box on stand, ca 1930. Rectangular with curved corners. Box has straight sides and cover top is gently raised and has applied gilt medallion with dramatic dragon in low relief...Category
Mid-20th Century Japanese Modern Sterling Silver
MaterialsSilver
- French Louis XIV Kingwood Strongbox on later Brass stand ( Coffre Forte)Located in Oakville, ONLouis XIV kingwood oyster veneered strongbox of Coffre ForteCategory
Antique Late 17th Century European Louis XIV Decorative Boxes
MaterialsBrass
- Mid Century Modern Christian Dior Jewelry Box or Suitcase France 1950sBy Christian DiorLocated in Bjuråker, SEExceptionally rare vintage Christian Dior Lunettes De Soleil suitcase: Timeless elegance meets practicality. A collector's dream, a fashion icon's essential. Own luxury history. Store your jewelry favorites with elegance in the large Dior jewelry...Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Jewelry Boxes
MaterialsMetal
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
How to Spot a Fake Louis Vuitton
What are the telltale signs that you're holding a real Louis Vuitton and not a knockoff? We spoke with expert Diane D’Amato to find out. Of course, you don't have to worry about fakes on 1stDibs, where every seller is highly vetted.
Inside Louis Vuitton’s Most Popular Handbag Collaborations
The venerable brand has earned accolades (and gained new fans) for partnerships that meld fashion with art.