Antique Louis Vuitton Trunk, recently customized with Cocktail Bar & Humidor

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 and competitors. They decided to come up with a logo, a monogram, which was indeed the famous and very recognisable print we are so familiar with today. The very first run was only made for about six years from 1895 and the print was woven into the canvas. This example dates to around 1900 and is a perfect example of such trunks. With its steel trim, brass studs and locks it still shows the same elegance as it did well over 100 years ago and is a testament to the durability of the best trunk maker in the world. Today it makes for a wonderful piece of interior design, both decorative and useful. 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...

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 ...

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 ...

An exquisite 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 monogram...

This beautiful and very rare Louis Vuitton trunk features hand painted stenciled monogram canvas, honey color lozine trim, large leather side handles, sta...

Rare Louis Vuitton steamer trunk with its original interior sticker showcasing its provenance and serial number. Adorned with sleek black metal trim and hardware which includes "LV"...

Rare antique French early 20th century Louis Vuitton monogrammed luggage cube trunk. Features previous owners initials along with blue and whi...

Superb Louis Vuitton steamer trunk featuring stenciled canvas, all leather trim in deep chocolate color, solid brass Louis Vuitton stamped clasps, lock and studs, solid brass corners...