Antique 20th Century Small Bridle Leather Hat Trunk c.1920

An antique early 20th Century Edwardian hat case in bridle leather with original handle and brass fittings. This piece is embossed with the initials JLR. CONDITION In Good Condition...

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 ...

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...

Antique early 20th Century British made Bridle hide covered suitcase. The leather shows wear but is still supple, mounted with brass fittings, oozing charm and elegance. A truly grea...

Antique early 20th Century British made Bridle hide covered suitcase. The leather shows wear but is still supple, mounted with brass fittings, oozing charm and elegance. A truly grea...

Step into the realm of vintage luxury with this exceptionally rare wardrobe trunk from Louis Vuitton, hailing from the early 20th century, around 1900-1910. Draped in the distinctive orange "Vuittonite" canvas, this vertical trunk opens to reveal spacious hanging compartments on both sides, providing a charming blend of functionality and elegance. The rarity of trunks adorned with this unique finish, known for its stain and water-resistant properties, sets it apart from its more common monogrammed counterparts. Once a staple canvas for Vuitton's trunks from the turn of the century to the 1920s, the orange Vuittonite canvas has become a sought-after treasure for collectors, making this wardrobe trunk a unique and appreciated addition to any discerning collection. An exquisite focal point for interior decor, it not only tells the story of Louis Vuitton's historic craftsmanship but also stands as a testament to the enduring allure of vintage luxury. 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...

Ladies’ hat trunk. Hat trunks are very high in demand because of their cubic shape, that makes them ideal as nightstands, or to fill corners between sofas. Original inside plateau. T...

Late 19th to early 20th century steel trunk with original faux bois paint, English. Brass latch lock with shaped backplates. Swing handles. Red painted interior. Ideal as a coffee ta...

20th century chest on bracket feet with a top that opens to reveal storage and drawers below.

Early 20th century French bench trunk.

Wonderful early 20th century merchants chest/trunk. Chest features solid wood construction, ornately carved decoration, iron hardware, and wheels. Cabinet has been fully painted in b...

Mid century embossed leather steamer trunk on caster wheels, with brass plated hardware. A vertical trunk - a royal traveling companion functioning as a...