Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 21

A 20th Century Louis Vuitton Briefcase Finished In Black Epi Leather, France

About the Item

A lovely late 20th century Louis Vuitton briefcase finished in black Epi leather. The Louis Vuitton Epi Leather line is produced from strictly chosen cowhide leather. It was introduced in 1993 and it has remained extremely popular ever since, used mostly to construct briefcases. The process of making Epi leather is very specific. First it is tanned with plant extracts and then deep-dyed. After this process, a special colouration on the surface of the grain is applied, which creates its distinctive coloured two tone effect. A key characteristic of Epi leather is its durability and ability to withstand any weather condition. This beautiful example is in fantastic condition, all of its brassware working as new, the interior is perfect and even comes with the original key and name tag holder. A wonderful and useful item that oozes quality as one would expect from a world renowned maker such as Louis Vuitton. A brief history about Louis Vuitton trunks: Louis Vuitton was born in 1821 to a farmer and milliner and came from a long-established working-class family in eastern France. Vuitton grew up understanding the effects of perseverance and a strong work ethic from watching his family. At the age of 16, he made the decision to walk 292 miles from his hometown to Paris to try and make a new life for himself. When he arrived the city was in the midst of industrialization with current modes of transportation evolving quickly allowing for longer journeys. With this came the need for sturdy travel pieces. Vuitton was taken as an apprentice for a successful box maker and packer named Monsieur Marechal. He learned to craft durable containers and how to pack them properly – a well-respected profession at the time. In 1854, years after he had mastered his craft and became well respected for it, Vuitton ventured out on his own to open a shop on Rue Neuve des Capucines. It was here that he began to establish himself as a luggage maker. Then, in 1858, Vuitton designed the first Louis Vuitton steamer trunk. At the time trunks had rounded tops to allow for water to run off but this did not allow for convenient stowage. Vuitton introduced a flat, yet waterproof, trunk that was easily stackable. The first of his trunks were outfitted with a gray canvas referred to as Trianon – it wouldn’t be until several decades later that the signature monogram would be introduced. With a burgeoning business, Vuitton moved his family and workplace to Asniere, where he employed twenty workers to craft his trunks. By 1900 he would have 100 employees, and in 1914 the company would more than double in size. After years of success, Vuitton began to experiment with the design of his luggage by introducing a new striped canvas pattern (1876) and later the still well-known Damier print (1888). The hand-painted patterns were developed to prevent counterfeits. Even in the late 1800s, Louis Vuitton was enough of a status symbol to warrant counterfeiting. In 1886, his son George invented and patented an ingenious locking system that made it impossible to pick the lock of their trunks. This lock is still used today. 1892 would prove to be a time of mourning for the family as Louis Vuitton passed away at the age of 70. His son, Georges Vuitton, became the new head of the luxury house. Louis Vuitton’s passing would prompt his son to once again change the print of their luggage, and in 1896, to honour his father, the signature LV monogram was introduced and patterned with LVs, quatrefoils, and flowers. Under his direction success followed and the iconic monogram rose to fame among elite clientele. CONDITION In Good Condition - near perfect, interior is spotless, exterior has very minor wear but still excellent. Please refer to photographs. SIZE Width: 45 cm // 17.72 inches Height: 11.5 cm // 4.53 inches Depth: 35 cm // 13.78 inches
  • Creator:
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 4.53 in (11.5 cm)Width: 17.72 in (45 cm)Depth: 13.78 in (35 cm)
  • Style:
    Other (In the Style Of)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
    1990-1999
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1993
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Minor fading. In Good Condition - near perfect, interior is spotless, exterior has very minor wear but still excellent. Please refer to photographs.
  • Seller Location:
    Royal Tunbridge Wells, GB
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: B105081stDibs: LU1348240439442

More From This Seller

View All
20th Century Louis Vuitton Black Epi Leather Document Case, Made In France c1990
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A late 20th Century Louis Vuitton document case, crafted in Epi leather with brass accents. Made in France around 1990, this soft briefcase...
Category

20th Century French Other Trunks and Luggage

Materials

Brass

20th Century Louis Vuitton "President" Briefcase In Monogram Canvas, France
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A charming Louis Vuitton hard-sided case, late 20th century, the exterior finished in the famous monogram canvas with brass fittings. This beautiful example is in fantastic condition...
Category

20th Century French Trunks and Luggage

Materials

Brass

20th Century Louis Vuitton Trunk, 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 iconic LV monogrammed canvas, accented by lozine trim and brass fittings. This trunk stood as the epitome of luxury over 100 years ago, boasting an unparalleled level of sophistication and elegance, it remains a timeless masterpiece that transcends eras. The captivating allure of the Louis Vuitton trunk transforms it into more than a mere luggage accessory; it becomes a focal point for any room. With its impressive dimensions, it is perfectly suited as a striking coffee table, side table, or even as a standalone centrepiece, seamlessly integrating into any interior, whether modern or traditional. An extraordinary piece that not only pays homage to the past but also serves as a statement of unparalleled luxury in the present. A brief history about Louis Vuitton trunks: Louis Vuitton was born in 1821 to a farmer and milliner and came from a long-established working-class family in eastern France. Vuitton grew up understanding the effects of perseverance and a strong work ethic from watching his family. At the age of 16, he made the decision to walk 292 miles from his hometown to Paris to try and make a new life for himself. When he arrived the city was in the midst of industrialization with current modes of transportation evolving quickly allowing for longer journeys. With this came the need for sturdy travel pieces. Vuitton was taken as an apprentice for a successful box maker and packer named Monsieur Marechal. He learned to craft durable containers and how to pack them properly – a well-respected profession at the time.In 1854, years after he had mastered his craft and became well respected for it, Vuitton ventured out on his own to open a shop on Rue Neuve des Capucines. It was here that he began to establish himself as a luggage maker. Then, in 1858, Vuitton designed the first Louis Vuitton steamer trunk. At the time trunks had rounded tops to allow for water to run off but this did not allow for convenient stowage. Vuitton introduced a flat, yet waterproof, trunk that was easily stackable. The first of his trunks were outfitted with a grey canvas referred to as Trianon – it wouldn’t be until several decades later that the signature monogram would be introduced. With a burgeoning business, Vuitton moved his family and workplace to Asniere, where he employed twenty workers to craft his trunks. By 1900 he would have 100 employees, and in 1914 the company would more than double in size. After years of success, Vuitton began to experiment with the design of his luggage by introducing a new striped canvas pattern (1876) and later the still well-known Damier print (1888). The hand-painted patterns were developed to prevent counterfeits. Even in the late 1800s, Louis Vuitton was enough of a status symbol to warrant counterfeiting. In 1886, his son George invented and patented an ingenious locking system that made it impossible to pick the lock of their trunks. This lock is still used today. 1892 would prove to be a time of mourning for the family as Louis Vuitton passed...
Category

20th Century French Other Trunks and Luggage

Materials

Brass

20th Century Louis Vuitton Suitcase In Monogram Canvas, France c.1970
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A charming Louis Vuitton hard-sided case, mid to late 20th century, the exterior finished in the famous monogram canvas with brass fittings. A great piece for use today or as a decor...
Category

20th Century French Other Trunks and Luggage

Materials

Brass

20th Century Louis Vuitton Wardrobe Trunk In Monogram Canvas, France
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Stunning and most importantly complete, this early 20th century Louis Vuitton wardrobe trunk was the must have item of any elite traveller. Covered in the world famous LV monogrammed...
Category

20th Century French Other Trunks and Luggage

Materials

Brass

20th Century Louis Vuitton 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 Trunks and Luggage

Materials

Metal, Brass

You May Also Like

20th Century French Louis Vuitton Trunk in Monogrammed Canvas
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
LOUIS VUITTON Monogram canvas cabin trunk with stencil, circa 1920. It has dark brown Lozine borders, brass central, brass central lock side locks, handles, and painted metal corne...
Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Trunks and Luggage

Materials

Canvas

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

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Trunks and Luggage

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Antique LOUIS VUITTON Leather Hardcase Suitcase – Early 20th Century
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Victoria, BC
A distinguished piece of travel history, this antique Louis Vuitton hardcase suitcase is a fine example of the craftsmanship that defined luxury travel in the early 20th century. Con...
Category

Early 20th Century French Trunks and Luggage

Materials

Leather

Louis Vuitton Early 20th Century Luggage Suitcase Brown Leather Brass Locks
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Sacile, PN
Suitcase by Louis Vuitton, dated 1910 circa. Engraved latch, brown and camel leather.
Category

Early 20th Century French Trunks and Luggage

Materials

Brass

Early 20th Century Louis Vuitton Monogram Bisten Case
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Chicago, IL
This Louis Vuitton Bisten case, dating from 1910 to 1930, exemplifies the brand's innovative craftsmanship. It features hand-painted canvas monogram, solid brass hardware, and reinfo...
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Trunks and Luggage

Materials

Brass

20th Century Louis Vuitton Suitcase Alzer 80, 1970
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Epfach, DE
909481 Alzer 80 80 cm x 26 cm 52.5 cm with removable tray Louis Vuitton suitcase, Alzer 80 with removable tray, in wonderful, well-kept condition with origin...
Category

20th Century French Trunks and Luggage

Materials

Leather

Recently Viewed

View All