Animal Skin Trunks and Luggage
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Material: Animal Skin
A large classic Louis Vuitton steamer trunk
Located in Amsterdam, NL
France, circa 1910
The large wooden trunk overall covered with brown LV monogram stamped leather, bound in blackened brass with wooden laths, on four castors, with brass studs all o...
Category
Early 20th Century French Animal Skin Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
Louis Vuitton LV Monogram 'Alzer' Suitcase, circa 1995
Located in London, GB
Louis Vuitton large ‘Alzer’ suitcase in LV monogram pattern coated canvas with edges trimmed in lozine and unpolished brass fittings. The lid of the case is secured by a central spru...
Category
1990s French Animal Skin Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
Antique 20th Century Goyard Courier Trunk In Chevron Canvas, France c.1900
By Goyard
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A Goyard courier trunk, completely original and with great character. Dating to the early part of the 20th century (circa 1900/1910) this trunk was finished with the famous chevron c...
Category
Early 1900s French Other Antique Animal Skin Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
20th Century Louis Vuitton Hat Trunk In Rare "Vuittonite" Canvas, France c.1900
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A beautiful Louis Vuitton hat trunk, circa 1900's, featuring an extremely rare camel coloured “Vuittonite“ canvas, all brass hardware, and leather trims. It is in exceptionally good ...
Category
20th Century French Other Animal Skin Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
Antique Leather Traveling Trunk with Hand-Painted Carriage Scene
Located in Barcelona, ES
Dome Top Leather Trunk with poychrome hand Painted Scene, early 20th century.
A gorgeous traveling trunk from France with a hand painted horse carriage landcape at the lid.
Wooden tr...
Category
Early 20th Century French Gothic Revival Animal Skin Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass, Iron
Hermès Saddle Leather Shaving Case, 1950s France
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Handsome saddle leather case by French fashion house, Hermes. Made in the 1950s. H metal buckles flank each side of the case. Case opens up to reveal 'HERMES - MADE IN PARIS' on leather. Inside there is a large grouping of shaving/toiletry items. Leather folding mirror with tons of patina, that stands up on its own. Stamped 'Hermes' in gold. Leather folding pouch that can hold tweezers, scissors, a comb also stamped Hermes. Ebony brush stamped Hermes - Paris. Metal box with removable lid, stamped Hermes. Bottle with twist off cap, Stamped Hermes Compartment with leather lid, holds a razor, and a small tin...
Category
1950s French Vintage Animal Skin Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Chrome
Antique 20thC Louis Vuitton Malle Haute Trunk In Monogram Canvas, France c.1910
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 Animal Skin Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
Art Deco Vintage Brown Leather Suitcase circa 1920, Austria
Located in Vienna, AT
Art Deco vintage leather suitcase made of thick leather with a handle.
The suitcase features two brass closures and a brass lock with a key.
Inside the leather bag is newly covered ...
Category
1920s Art Deco Vintage Animal Skin Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
20th Century Louis Vuitton Wardrobe Trunk In Monogram Canvas, France c.1950
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Stunning and, most importantly, complete, this mid 20th century Louis Vuitton trunk represents the pinnacle of luxury travel and was an essential item for any elite traveler of the t...
Category
20th Century French Other Animal Skin Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
Vintage Cheney England PCI USA 25216 C4 Black Leather Traveling Doctors Bag
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Cheney England PCI USA 25216 C4 Black Leather Traveling Doctors Bag with Brass Hardware and "BRM" monogram. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 8" H x 17" W x 7" D.
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Art Deco Animal Skin Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Leather
17th Century Leather and Brass Fleur De Lys Malle Trunk from Avignon, France
Located in Dallas, TX
Trunks are one of the oldest types of furniture in existence today. They date back many centuries and come in various shapes and styles. This leather and brass trunk, known as a mall...
Category
17th Century French Antique Animal Skin Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
ENGLAND 1890 Victorian Pair Of Army Officer Travel Chests In Crocodile Leather
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Military officer's chests in crocodile leather.
This is an exceptional pair of British military officer's travel trunk chest, created in England during the Victorian period,...
Category
1890s English Victorian Antique Animal Skin Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
19th Century Peruvian Stitched Leather Suitcase
Located in Marbella, ES
19th Century Peruvian leather suitcase with decorative stitching.
Category
Mid-19th Century Peruvian Antique Animal Skin Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Leather
19th Century Large Antique Leather Traveling Luggage with Brass Accents
Located in Wichita, KS
This beautiful 19th Century large scale Antique leather traveling bag or luggage is truly a special piece. The bag opens and all of the bra...
Category
19th Century Empire Antique Animal Skin Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
Antique 20th Century Louis Vuitton Cabin Trunk In Monogram Canvas, France c.1910
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 Animal Skin Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
Louis Vuitton LV Monogram 'Bisten' Suitcase, circa 1990
Located in London, GB
Louis Vuitton large ‘Bisten’ suitcase in LV monogram pattern coated canvas with edges trimmed in lozine and polished brass fittings.
Securing the lid of the case is a central sprung...
Category
1990s French Animal Skin Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
Antique Gentleman's Travel Case, English, Leather Suitcase, Harrods, Edwardian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a large antique gentleman's travel case. An English, leather luxury suitcase by Harrods, dating to the Edwardian period, circa 1910.
A delightfully robust and usable luxury...
Category
Early 20th Century British Edwardian Animal Skin Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Leather
Collection of Vintage Luggage, a Set of Four English Travel Cases
Located in London, GB
Collection of vintage luggage, a set of four English travel cases.
English, 20th Century
Green: height 18cm, width 67cm, depth 38cm.
Tan: height...
Category
20th Century English Modern Animal Skin Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Leather
20th Century Louis Vuitton Steamer 35 Bag In Monogram Canvas, Made In France
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A lovely Louis Vuitton steamer travel bag in monogram canvas and natural tan leather, made in France in the latter quarter of the 20th century. Steamer bags have been produced by Lou...
Category
20th Century French Other Animal Skin Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
Early 1900s Antique Steamer Trunk from "Innovation" New York, USA
By Innovation
Located in Buffalo, NY
Weathered steamer trunk from "Innovation" New York, 1903.
Made of corrugated hard pressed vulcanized fiber in black with red detailing and dark brown leather trim. Retains origina...
Category
Early 1900s American Industrial Antique Animal Skin Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Steel
Mulberry Tree Long Wallet in Clay Cross Grain Leather, Original Box, Unused
By Mulberry
Located in Markington, GB
A Mulberry Tree Long Wallet in clay cross grain leather, original box, Mulberry product card,
Condition: excellent, unused, as new,
Box - one cor...
Category
2010s English Modern Animal Skin Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Leather
Mid-19th Century French Oval Pigskin Leather Hat Box with Original Top Hat
Located in Dallas, TX
This exquisite, antique pigskin hat box was crafted in Rouen France, circa 1870. This leather box with brass bottom, features leather straps and handle embellished with decorative br...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Animal Skin Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
Louis Vuitton Early 20th Century Luggage Suitcase Brown Leather Brass Locks
Located in Sacile, PN
Suitcase by Louis Vuitton, dated 1910 circa. Engraved latch, brown and camel leather.
Category
Early 20th Century French Animal Skin Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
Iconic Louis Vuitton Monogram Trunk, circa 1910-1920’s
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
The epitome of elegance, this trunk stands as one of Louis Vuitton's most iconic and classic designs. Originally crafted specifically for automobiles in the mid 19th century, it grac...
Category
Early 20th Century French Grand Tour Animal Skin Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Exceptionally Large Louis Vuitton Wardrobe Trunk, circa 1955
Located in London, GB
A rare, very large scale brass bound Louis Vuitton wardrobe trunk in LV Monogram with lozine trim and original interior fittings providing hanging space; circa 1955. Has the original...
Category
1950s French Vintage Animal Skin Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Metal, Brass
George I Studded Leather Trunk on Stand
Located in Greenwich, CT
Fine George I period studded leather travel trunk, dated 1723, on stand, the domed lid studded with brass and iron tacks in a foliate and vine pattern, with the initials "I.M." and "...
Category
1720s English Antique Animal Skin Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Leather
20th Century Louis Vuitton Cow Hide Suitcase, France c.1920
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A highly unusual and exceptionally rare Louis Vuitton suitcase, originating from the early years of the 20th century, distinguishes itself not with the globally renowned monogram canvas but with a distinctive covering crafted from a singular piece of cowhide. This unique piece represents a special order from Louis Vuitton, showcasing the brand's historical commitment to utilizing only the finest hides available.
Unlike many of its counterparts, leather trunks and cases of this era often struggle to withstand the test of time, requiring regular treatments to prevent drying and disintegration. Remarkably, this particular example defies the odds, retaining the same supple quality it possessed on the day it first graced the shop floor. This suitcase belongs to Louis Vuitton's collection of "speciality materials," which encompasses a diverse range, including, but not limited to, zinc, copper, crocodile leather, and cow leather.
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 Animal Skin Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
1920's Louis Vuitton Steamer Trunk in Stenciled Monogram, 120 cm Vuitton Trunk
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
This superb Louis Vuitton cabin trunk is spectacular and very rare.Indeed, its dimensions are huge for a cabin trunk since it reaches 122 cm wide and 41 cm tall. These dimensions are...
Category
1920s French Vintage Animal Skin Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
Louis Vuitton Courrier Trunk in Damier Canvas 90 cm, Vuitton Steamer Trunk
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
This Vuitton trunk is one of the rarer Louis Vuitton trunks to be offered currently. Indeed , it features the world famous and sought after damier (checkerboard) canvas. Dating to 1889, it is a wonderful example of such luxury trunks...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Animal Skin Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
Vintage Canvas and Leather Riding, Field Boots
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
Vintage Leather and Canvas Field Boots.
A wonderful pair of juniors or Ladies riding boots. The boots are made of stiff canvas with tan leather tri...
Category
20th Century English Animal Skin Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Leather
Small English Vintage Brown Leather Handmade Case with Brass Hardware
Located in Atlanta, GA
An English vintage small leather case from the mid 20th century, with brass accents. Created in England during the 20th century, this small leather case is made of brown leather acce...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Animal Skin Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
Vintage Burgundy Bottega Veneta Leather Suitcase
By Bottega Veneta
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A vintage Bottega Veneta embossed leather suitcase in an alluring dark burgundy tone; having brass fittings and reinforced corners. It also includes a combination lock. Made in Italy...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Animal Skin Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
Early 19th Century Chinese Decorated Blue Leather Covered Wood Trunk
Located in Kenilworth, IL
Decorated blue leather covered camphor wood trunk, bound with brass and mounted with cast brass bail handles.
China, made for the Western Trade, circa 1825.
Category
1820s Chinese Antique Animal Skin Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
1920's Louis Vuitton Steamer Trunk in Stenciled Monogram , Vuitton Trunk
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Very nice Louis Vuitton hand stenciled monogram canvas featuring chocolate color leather trim and LV stamped solid brass locks and clasps, LV stamped studs as well as LV stamped soli...
Category
1920s French Vintage Animal Skin Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
17th Century Leather Travelling Trunk
Located in Greenwich, CT
Rare 17th century leather wrapped traveling trunk with its original wrought iron carrying handles and clasp. Original hand-painted coat of arms still retained on interior of lid.
Category
18th Century and Earlier English Antique Animal Skin Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Iron
19th C. Brass Riveted Leather Travel Trunk Sage's Trunk Depot Boston, Ma.
Located in Rochester, NY
A large 19th century American brass riveted leather travel trunk in nicely aged original surface color patina to leather and brass. Ink stamped at both sides with owners name - Mrs. A.J. Wellman, Friendship NY ( information about this historically prominent family available online ) Fully linen lined interior with removable upper tray. Wood slats on bottom. Brass lock plate is stamped Eagle Lock Co. Patent dated 1877. Original paper label at interior of trunk - Sage's Trunk Depot - Corner of Washington and Essex Streets - Boston, Ma. ( img. 10 ) A rare antique American...
Category
19th Century American Antique Animal Skin Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
Early 19th Century Georgian Leather Brassbound Coaching Trunk
Located in Petworth,West Sussex, GB
This small, attractive early 19th-century Georgian leather brass-bound coaching trunk or chest is a remarkable piece. It is covered in beautifully studded ...
Category
Early 19th Century British Georgian Antique Animal Skin Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
Chinese Qing Dynasty Period 19th Century Brown Leather Trunk with Brass Hardware
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Qing Dynasty period red leather bound trunk from the 19th century, with brass accents and nail heads. Imbued with a sense of antiquity, this 19th-century Chinese Qing Dynas...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Animal Skin Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
20th Century French Modern Leather Makeup/Vanity Wallet with Mirror by Hermès
By Hermès
Located in North Miami, FL
Mid-20th century Modern compact leather makeup/vanity wallet with mirror by Hermès Paris, France
By: Hermès Paris
Material: leather, mirror
Technique: embossed, polished
Dimensions: 1 in x 5.5 in x 7.5 in
Date: mid-20th century
Style: Mid-Century Modern, Space Age
Place of origin: France
Encased in fine reddish-brown leather, this mid-20th century Hermès vanity wallet is a sophisticated expression of modern design. The exterior features a subtly textured leather surface, accentuated by precise stitching and a geometric clasp adorned with a pale green panel. The closure mechanism, a structured leather strap looping through a matching leather slot, secures the case with refined simplicity.
Inside, the wallet reveals a well-organized layout lined in soft beige, hosting a built-in mirror, a series of compartments, and a translucent amber-hued comb. The craftsmanship is evident in the meticulous finishing of each section, balancing elegance with practicality. The Hermès stamp...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Animal Skin Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Leather, Mirror
Rare 20Th Century Louis Vuitton Car Trunk In Monogram Canvas, France C.1910
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A very rare Louis Vuitton car trunk covered in the world famous monogram canvas. Car trunks were usually bespoke made for the owner’s car and w...
Category
1910s French Other Vintage Animal Skin Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
20th Century Louis Vuitton Suitcase In Monogram Canvas, France c.1970
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A delightful mid to late 20th-century Louis Vuitton hard-sided case, covered with the iconic monogram canvas and complemented by brass fittings. The exterior exudes the unmistakable ...
Category
1970s French Other Vintage Animal Skin Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Leather, Canvas
Cartier Paris Burgundy Calfskin Leather Luggage Tag
By Cartier
Located in North Hollywood, CA
The Cartier Paris burgundy calfskin leather luggage tag is as stylish as it is practical with gold-finished metal corners and embossed double C logo.
The luxury Cartier brand luggage...
Category
Late 20th Century French Art Deco Animal Skin Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Leather
Pair Vintage 1920's, 30's Louis Vuitton Alzer 80 and 70 monogram luggage
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 Animal Skin Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
20th Century Louis Vuitton Trunk In Monogram Canvas, France, c.1900
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Gorgeous and most importantly complete, this early 20th century Louis Vuitton trunk was the must have item of any elite traveller. Covered in the world famous LV monogrammed canvas, ...
Category
20th Century French Animal Skin Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
Vintage Old Timer Suitcase Made from Cowhide with Combination Lock
Located in Vienna, AT
The item on sale is a beautifully constructed suitcase made from cowhide. All the handles, zippers and flaps look untouched. It comes with a matching label for the owner's address an...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Animal Skin Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
Antique Louis Vuitton Monogram Cube Trunk
Located in Bradenton, FL
Rare antique French early 20th century Louis Vuitton monogrammed luggage cube trunk. Features previous owners initials along with blue and whi...
Category
Early 20th Century French Belle Époque Animal Skin Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Leather
20th Century Louis Vuitton Wardrobe Trunk In Monogram Canvas, France c.1930
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A stunning early 20th century Louis Vuitton wardrobe trunk covered in the world famous LV monogrammed canvas. With its lozine borders and brass fittings it would have been the top of...
Category
20th Century French Other Animal Skin Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Metal, Brass
1920s LOUIS VUITTON Orange Vuittonite Cabin Steamer Trunk w/ provenance
Located in Victoria, BC
A fabulous and rare 1920s LOUIS VUITTON Orange Vuittonite Cabin Steamer Trunk. It is made with the famous Vuittonite canvas with leather trim and handles. The orange canvas has “turn...
Category
1920s French Vintage Animal Skin Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
1940's Hartmann Traveling Trunk w/ Original Key
Located in San Francisco, CA
1940's Hartmann traveling trunk w/original key
25 x 21.5 x 39.5
Category
Early 20th Century Animal Skin Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
20th Century Louis Vuitton "Malle Haute" Trunk In Monogram Canvas, Paris c. 1910
Located in Pambio Noranco, CH
An exquisite “malle haute“ (tall trunk) by Louis Vuitton, early 20th century made in France, Paris.
The malle haute is the largest of the standard sizes, any trunk larger than this o...
Category
Early 20th Century French Animal Skin Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
18th Century Peruvian Engraved Leather Decorated Dome Top Trunk Dated 1767
Located in Marbella, ES
18th Century Peruvian engraved leather covered wooden dome top trunk with the inscription "JUNYO 17DE767 AÑOS" i.e. 17th of June 1767. Leather engraved wit...
Category
18th Century Peruvian Antique Animal Skin Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Leather, Wood
Italian Mid-Century Modern Luggage in Brown Leather with Beige Fabric, 1960s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian Mid-Century Modern Luggage in brown leather with beige fabric, 1960s
Rectangular suitcase in light brown leather with stickers. Metal closure, handle present. Beige fabric i...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Animal Skin Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Metal
Petite Edwardian Leather Suitcase
Located in Chicago, IL
Petite but packed with character, history, and mystery, this early 20th-century English Edwardian leather suitcase is a rare find. Its unusually small size suggests it may have been a child’s trunk...
Category
Early 1900s English Edwardian Antique Animal Skin Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Leather
Antique Ladies Folding Crocodile Purse, Sewing Kit.
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
Victorian Leather Ladies Purse.
A folding crocodile leather ladies purse, wallet, sewing kit with silver-gilt mounts and clip fastening, hallmarked London, 1885 with makers maker FP in a rectangular cartouche. Most probably Frederic Purnell who registered this mark Feb 1876, his earlier mark of an oval cartouche was registered Feb 1868. A rather lovely little sewing purse with compartments for you sewing needles, two material leaves for safety pins and four long thin compartments (possibly for thread). There are three paper packets of old needles ( two Abel Morrall's needles & one Wm. Hall & Co.needle packet) and a 'The Hotel Metropole...
Category
1880s British Victorian Antique Animal Skin Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Silver
French Vellum White Leather Suitcase or Valise with Original Labels, 1920s
Located in AMSTERDAM, NH
Elegant and finely crafted, this French cream vellum suitcase or valise from the 1920s exudes timeless sophistication.
Constructed from wood and parchment, adorned with brass studs ...
Category
1920s French Vintage Animal Skin Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Leather
Leather Travel Trunk with Handles, France, 1940s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Beautiful leather trunk manufactured at the mid-20th century period in France.
It has very nice proportions, handles at both sides and 2 large solid metal rings at the back enable t...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Animal Skin Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Metal, Iron
Vintage Brown Caramel Leather Hard Case Suitcase Luggage Trunk with Patina
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage brown caramel leather hard case 18" suitcase luggage with Patina. Item features wonderful authentic patina, quality leather, brass hardware, satin lines interior, no key, but...
Category
Early 20th Century Animal Skin Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Leather
20th Century Louis Vuitton Suitcase In Natural Cow Hide, France c.1910
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A highly unusual and exceptionally rare Louis Vuitton suitcase, originating from the early years of the 20th century, distinguishes itself not with the globally renowned monogram canvas but with a distinctive covering crafted from a singular piece of cowhide. This unique piece represents a special order from Louis Vuitton, showcasing the brand's historical commitment to utilising only the finest hides available.
Unlike many of its counterparts, leather trunks and cases of this era often struggle to withstand the test of time, requiring regular treatments to prevent drying and disintegration. Remarkably, this particular example defies the odds, retaining the same supple quality it possessed on the day it first graced the shop floor. This suitcase belongs to Louis Vuitton's collection of "speciality materials," which encompasses a diverse range, including, but not limited to, zinc, copper, crocodile leather, and cow leather.
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 Animal Skin Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
