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Material: Brass
Antique Fire or Coal Box with Medieval Jesting Friar Head Bronze Handles
Located in Soquel, CA
Antique pine and brass coal/tinder box with unique jesting friar bronze sculptures/handles, circa 1900. Dimensions: 21.5" H x 24.5" W x 15.75" D.
Category
Early 1900s North American Medieval Antique Brass Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass, Bronze
Antique Hand Carved Black Forest Wooden Chest or Trunk Shape Jewelry / Cigar Box
Located in Lisse, NL
Excellent workmanship and very cool looking antique box.
This 19th century and all handcrafted box is perfect for decorating the interior of your lodge, but also in a home environme...
Category
19th Century German Black Forest Antique Brass Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
French Trunk or Coffee Table in Black Canvas, Leather and Wood
Located in Barcelona, ES
Beautiful black canvas and leather trunk as coffee table / side table. France, 19th century.
This trunk is all made in wood covered with black canvas. It has wooden bars, leather pr...
Category
20th Century French Brass Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
1920s Asian Dowry, Blanket or Storage Chest, Bronze Decorated J. L. George
Located in Stamford, CT
1920s Century Asian Dowry, blanket or storage chest. Bronze decorated having strong bronze hinges with a cedar interior this functional and decorative chest is simply stunning having an all over brass and copper design with camels, motifs and people. Adding a glass top this stunning chest would make a great coffee table.
J.L. George was the English name used by Shuang Hong Tai, one of several Chinese companies that made carved wooden furniture...
Category
Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Chinese Export Brass Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
Antique English Armorial Trunk
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Antique wood trunk adorned with coat of arms on the top and front sides.
Brass trimmed with studs and on castors.
Category
19th Century English Antique Brass Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
Chinese Antique Large Dowry Chest with Arching Lid, Carved Panels and Drawers
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese antique dowry chest from the early 20th century, with carved panels, three drawers and scalloped skirt. Created in China during the early years of the 20th century, this dowry chest features a dark patina perfectly complimenting the carvings and painted highlights adorning the various panels. Topped with an arching lid, the chest opens to reveal a convenient storage space and showcases three lower drawers fitted with C-scroll handles. Accented with triangular patterns on the edges and resting on block feet, the chest is adorned with a scalloped skirt in the front. With its nice proportions and skillful carving, this antique Chinese dowry chest...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Brass Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
Pair of Authentic Louis Vuitton Luggage Pieces
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of authentic Louis Vuitton luggage pieces.
Individually numbered, pair of brass numbered keys included with both pieces.
Can be moun...
Category
1960s French Vintage Brass Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
Pair of Authentic Louis Vuitton Luggage Pieces
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of authentic Louis Vuitton luggage pieces.
Individually numbered, pair of brass numbered keys included with both pieces.
Can be moun...
Category
1960s French Vintage Brass Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
Rare Celine Black Shoulder Clutch Bag
By Celine
Located in Pasadena, CA
Céline Paris vintage shoulder / clutch box bag in black leather.
Inside - bright red with one open pocket and one with a zip.
The straps measurements are 53".
Category
Late 20th Century French Modern Brass Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
Antique Ebonised Trunk on Stand
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A painted domed box on stand with central brass cartouche to the lid, brass handles to each side, the stand with bun topped tampering cylindrical legs and spindle feet.
Category
19th Century Antique Brass Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
19th Century Chinese Wood and Hand Painted Leather Trunk with Nail Head Accents
Located in Atlanta, GA
A 19th century Chinese camphor wood trunk. This antique Chinese camphor wood chest features a beautifully hand-painted flower motif ...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Brass Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
English Campaign Trunk of Brass-Bound Leather and Camphor Wood, circa 1820
Located in Austin, TX
A handsome small-sized British officer's military Campaign camphor trunk or chest of brass-bound and studded leather over camphor wood, circa 1820.
Manufactured by the British East India...
Category
Early 19th Century English Campaign Antique Brass Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass, Metal
Restored Brass and Leather English Grenadiers Trunk with Regimental Ornaments
Located in Troy, MI
English brass and leather trunk with hinged lid circa 1930s. Wooden trunk is covered in weathered leather and polished brass and English grenadier’s ornamental details. New royal blu...
Category
Early 20th Century English Brass Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
Imposing 17th Century Portuguese Colonial Mahogany and Brass Chest
Located in Benington, Herts
An imposing 17th century mahogany Portuguese colonial trunk / chest, of grand proportions, decorated with pierced brass panels.
Probably Brazil, circa 1670.
This rare chest...
Category
Late 17th Century Brazilian Antique Brass Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass, Iron
Star of India Ship's Trunk Made by Newton Shakespeare and Co. on Custom Base
Located in Atlanta, GA
An English tôle "Star of India" ship's trunk from the early 20th century, mounted on a custom base. Boasting a nicely weathered original finish, this Star of India ship's trunk, made by Newton Shakespeare and Co., circa 1900, is fitted with brass hardware. Mounted on a custom made base with straight legs connected to one another through an X-form cross stretcher, this trunk on base...
Category
Early 20th Century English Brass Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Metal, Brass, Tôle
Custom Vintage Italian Leather Toiletry Box Case Travel Trunk Nailhead Trim
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Custom Vintage Italian Leather Toiletry Box Case Travel Trunk Nailhead Trim. Item features brass screw/nailhead trim, brown leather corners and trim, leat...
Category
20th Century Italian Brass Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
French Parchment / Vellum Suitcases as Side Table
By Innovation
Located in Barcelona, ES
A set of high quality French luxury vellum suitcases. France, 1920-1930s.
Made in wood and parchment with brass studs and lock plates in brass and leat...
Category
20th Century French Brass Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
Anglo-Indian 1880s Teak and Brass Trunk with Multiple Storage Compartments
Located in Atlanta, GA
An Anglo-Indian teak trunk from the late 19th century, with multiple storage compartments and brass accents. Born in the later years of the 19th century, this exquisite teak wood tru...
Category
Late 19th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Antique Brass Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
Vintage Brown Leather Suitcase circa 1920, Austria
Located in Vienna, AT
The leather suitcase was 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 with natu...
Category
1920s Art Deco Vintage Brass Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
Studded Leather Camphor Wood Box
Located in Wilson, NC
Studded leather camphor wood box has the original paper lining. The piece is black leather banded with brass, and it has a double row of brass stud work.
Category
1830s English Antique Brass Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
Painted Leather Camphor Wood Trunk
Located in Wilson, NC
Painted leather camphor wood trunk, the top is double brass studded with brass framing. It is painted with a floral center cartouche and borders and...
Category
1830s English Antique Brass Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
Chinse Republic Era Solid Wood Trunk
Located in Somis, CA
A vintage solid wood trunk of the Chinese republic era, with original markings, dove-tail joinery and embossed hardware on solid base. Sturdy brass ha...
Category
20th Century Hong Kong Brass Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
Large Antique Chinese Lacquered Trunk or Blanket Chest
Located in Sheffield, MA
The chest has dark reddish brown lacquered wood on the outside and the inside is lined with tan imitation leather material. There are three brass latches, one large one in front and a smaller one on each side next to iron handles. The sides are edged with thin sheets of overlapping lacquered wood having imitation stitching. The lid is attached to the bottom with three brass hinges. There is a small rectangle of Chinese lettering on the inside of the lid. Red Chinese Trunk.
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Other Antique Brass Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass, Iron
Luxury French Leather Suitcase by Gustave Keller
Located in Barcelona, ES
An exquisite Art Deco period luxury brown leather gentleman's suitcase. Manufactured by Gustave Keller (Keller Frères), 1920s-1930s.
Signed 'Gustave Keller. Av. Matignon 18, Paris' at the front part.
Rare find.
This outstanding top quality leather suitcase was manufactured by Gustave Keller Freres. Designed to be used as gentlemen's vanity travel suitcase.
Brown leather with gold plated lock plates and garnet leather inside.
The key is available. The interior is in good condition, fresh and clean. The original vanity set is missed.
A perfect addition for decorative purposes or as elegant storage box and also beautiful as end / bedside table placed on a pedestal or on other suitcases.
Great gift idea!
The Fendi Zucca Pattern Suitcase shown at the images is avaliable at our 1stdibs marketplace.
Measures: 66 cm W x 45 cm D x 16 cm H
About Gustave Keller:
The company was founded in 1856 by Gustave Keller, whose simple yet elegant sets and accessories were immediately appreciated around the worl for their premium quality.
Keller was awarded with a gold and a silver medal at the 1867 and 1878 Paris World Exhibitions. After 1878, the Keller brothers succeeded the father and started producing silverware, which was again rewarded at the 1889 and 1900 world fairs respectively, with a gold medal and a Grand Prix.
In his beginnings established at 65 rue de Turbigo in Paris, Keller moved their shop and workshop to 22 rue Joubert in 1891. In 1929, the shop was mentioned as trading from 18 Avenue Matignon and was still active possibly as late as 1947.
In 1889, Lucien Falize wrote that "everything stamped Keller is good" (the firm was later known as "Keller fils et gendre successeurs").
Keller Company attracted brilliant and international customers and was appointed official supplier of several courts (Spain, Russia, Greece and Romania). The Russian Court was an important client and from 1897, the last Tsar regularly purchased artifacts from the Parisian silversmith.
From the 1900s the firm was also commissioned to produce several important cups and trophies for the Principality of Monaco.
The Zucca pattern Fendi hard suitcase...
Category
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Brass Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Gold Plate, Brass
English Campaign Trunk of Brass-Bound Leather and Camphor Wood, circa 1820
Located in Austin, TX
A handsome medium-sized British officer's military Campaign camphor trunk or chest of brass-bound and studded leather over camphor wood, circa 1820.
Manufactured by the British East India...
Category
Early 19th Century English Campaign Antique Brass Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Metal, Brass
Red Painted Leather Camphor Wood Trunk, Chinese Export, 19th Century
Located in San Francisco, CA
Red painted leather trunk with brass trim and nailhead decoration along with painted flowers and vining leaves.
Chinese Export, circa 1850.
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antique Brass Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
Goyard Leather Steamer Trunk, circa 1910
By Goyard
Located in London, GB
An exceptional bespoke leather Goyard steamer trunk with original interior. Circa 1910. The lock plate for this trunk has been changed at some point in it's history.
In 1853 Françoi...
Category
1910s French Vintage Brass Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
Fendi Vintage Hard Suitcase / Luxury Trunk, Zucca Pattern, 1970s
By Fendi
Located in Barcelona, ES
Fendi Zucca Pattern Epi Leather Vintage Luxury Hard Trunk Suitcase, 1970s
Large Fendi Zucca monogrammed large hard suitcase. The Zucca pattern design lugga...
Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Brass Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
French White Beaded Evening Bag
Located in New York, NY
A French white bejeweled and beaded evening handbag with brass closure and flexible handle. Seven beautiful round and oval cabochon natural sto...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Brass Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Stone, Brass
Leather Steamer Trunk by Finnigans, circa 1920
Located in London, GB
An exceptional leather trunk with original interior made by Finnigans, one of England's finest luggage making companies, circa 1920.
Dimensions: 48cm/19 inches (height) x 115cm/45 i...
Category
1920s English Vintage Brass Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
Chinese Red Lacquer Pig Skin Trunk
Located in Wilson, NC
Chinese red lacquer pig skin trunk, the interior is lined with sea blue fabric. Inside the top there is an applied calligraphy tablet. The brass lock hi...
Category
1870s Chinese Antique Brass Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
Spanish Leather-Wrapped Domed Coffer with Brass Accents from the 19th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Spanish leather wrapped wood trunk with brass and nail-head accents from the 19th century. This antique coffer from Spain has a rectangular-shape with domed top. The body and top a...
Category
19th Century Spanish Antique Brass Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
Asian Copper Clad Chest
Located in Wilson, NC
Asian copper clad chest is strapped with embossed brass banding and overlaid cartouches. There are red and blue inlaid buttons, inlaid with rosettes, on th...
Category
1860s East Asian Antique Brass Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass, Copper
Chalons Steamer Trunk, circa 1915
Located in London, GB
A wonderful trunk by the French Grand Magasin, Chalons, of Alexandria Egypt. With brass fittings, and original interior lining and key, circa 1915.
Dimens...
Category
1910s French Vintage Brass Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
Brown Alligator Travel Trunk
Located in Westport, CT
English brown alligator brass lock hardware large travel trunk, with all original lining.
Category
Early 20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Brass Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
English Mid-19th Century Camphor Wood Trunk, Leather and Brass Bound
Located in Atlanta, GA
An English leather over camphor wood trunk with brass studs from the mid-19th century. This English rectangular brass bound trunk features two latera...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Campaign Antique Brass Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
Arts and Crafts Solid Oak and Brass Towel Rack, circa 1900
Located in Lisse, NL
Excellent Shape and Condition Elegant and one of a kind towel rack from the early 1900s.
This handcrafted, solid oak towel rack comes with circular brass rods for hanging your towels on. It is in perfect condition and thanks to its design, this antique home accessory...
Category
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Brass Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
English Leather Boot Trunk, circa 1905
By Benjamin
Located in London, GB
An excellent English leather boot trunk with original interior including lift-out tray. Brass fittings and initialed F.B.T. Made by Benjamin of Piccadilly London, circa 1905.
Dimens...
Category
Early 20th Century British Brass Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
1930s Leather Hat Box
By H&W Taylor
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
This leather hat box has got a very warm patina and can easily used as a bedside cabinet or end of a sofa.
Original and clean interior can be convenie...
Category
1920s British Vintage Brass Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
Chinese 1900s Wooden Treasure Chest with Rattan Accents and Dark Brass Hardware
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese antique wooden treasure chest from the early 20th century with rattan accents and dark brass handles. This charming Chinese woo...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Brass Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
English 1870s Leather Bound Box with Brass Studs, Mounted on Custom Wooden Stand
Located in Atlanta, GA
An English leather bound box with brass studs from the late 19th century, raised on custom wooden stand. Born in England during the second half of th...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Brass Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
Burmese Ladies Make-Up Trunk
Located in Pasadena, CA
A Burmese ladies' teak make up trunk, inlaid with brass. The words "Mandalay Box" are inlaid on one side of the front of the trunk, below the brass fitti...
Category
Late 19th Century Burmese Folk Art Antique Brass Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
Robert Marcius Casa Bique Tessellated Stone Trunk Box Coffee Table Chest
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Robert Marcius for Casa Bique tessellated stone trunk coffee table. Item features coral colored tessellated stone and brass inlays, felt lined ...
Category
1980s Philippine Art Deco Vintage Brass Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Stone, Brass
Chinese Finely Woven Lacquered Trunk, c. 1800
Located in Chicago, IL
A work of art in itself, this finely woven Qing-dynasty trunk likely once stored prized painted scrolls. Framed in elmwood, the trunk’s panels are lined with thin reeds that were pai...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Brass Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
Pair of Authentic Louis Vuitton Luggage Pieces
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Authentic Louis Vuitton Luggage Pieces.
Individually numbered, Pair of brass numbered keys included with both pieces.
Can be mou...
Category
1960s French Vintage Brass Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
Antique Victorian Coromandel and Brass Bound Dressing Case by Asprey
Located in London, GB
A Victorian Coromandel and Brass bound Dressing Case
By Asprey
The hinged cover with an inset brass monogram, the base with a jewellery drawer and two fitted internal trays, contai...
Category
19th Century English Victorian Antique Brass Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass, Silver, Vermeil
Storage Brass Case for Slippers: Idea for a Gift
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Nice old brass case for storing Your favorite slippers or for an unusual gift .
O/5574
Category
Early 20th Century English Arts and Crafts Brass Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
Robert Marcius Tesselated Stone Trunk Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Robert Marcius for Casa Bique exquisite trunk sized box that can be used as a table. Covered in tessellated stone of contrasting coral shades, with ball form feet adding sculptural d...
Category
20th Century American Brass Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Stone, Brass
Orange Louis Vuitton Steamer Trunk, Orange Vuitton Trunk, Vuitton Trunk
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
This very nice orange canvas Louis Vuitton steamer trunk, features Louis Vuitton stamped solid brass lock, clasps as well as all its studs. Beautiful and rich chocolate color all leather trim and handles. Unusual and elegant proportions.
It is typically from 1900s-1910s and has got a very warm patina .
Its orange color is very deep and beautiful.
Its interior still has got its original Louis Vuitton label as well as its serial number . Complete and all original, this Vuitton trunk still features its removable tray with compartments...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Brass Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
Pair Of Cedar Wood Inserted Boxes For Storage Or Chrome Side Tables
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Pair of 20th Century chrome, brass and cedar wood side tables with brass hardware
These boxes was originally made for luxury storage but co...
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Brass Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass, Sheet Metal
1920's Louis Vuitton Steamer Trunk in Stenciled Monogram, 100 cm Vuitton Trunk
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
This very nice Louis Vuitton trunk features hand stenciled monogram canvas , light honey color lozine trim and Louis Vuitton stamped solid brass locks and clasps, Louis Vuitton stamp...
Category
1920s French Vintage Brass Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
Small 1890's Louis Vuitton Monogram Steamer Trunk, Vuitton Trunk in Woven Canvas
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
This lovely little Louis Vuitton steamer trunk features the very sought after monogram woven canvas, leather trim, solid brass corners, solid brass locks, and side handles. Its bras...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Brass Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
Rare 19th Century Louis Vuitton Shirt Trunk In Damier Canvas, France c.1895
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
One of the rarest Louis Vuitton trunks to be offered, this trunk is covered in the world famous damier (checkerboard) canvas. Known as the shirt trunk, it is a diminutive size and an...
Category
1890s French Other Antique Brass Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
20th Century Louis Vuitton Courier Trunk, France c.1930
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
1930s Other Vintage Brass Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
Louis Vuitton Leather Cabin Trunk, circa 1930
Located in London, GB
A well proportioned natural leather covered Louis Vuitton cabin trunk that has built up an attractive patina with age. Has original leather handles & brass fittings and has its original interior in-tact (including the original tray); Circa 1930. One of the original handle supports is a newly made replacement of the original, that was beyond repair.
Provenance: From the collection of Anouska Hempel, noted interior designer, hotelier and taste maker.
Dimensions: 91 cm/35⅞ inches (length) x 52 cm/20½ inches (depth) x 34.5 cm/13⅝ inches (height).
About Louis Vuitton
From humble beginnings, Louis Vuitton laid the foundations for a luggage enterprise serving the upper echelons of 19th-century society. His son, Georges, expanded on his father’s work throughout the 20th century.
Louis Vuitton was born on 4 August 1821 in Anchay, a rural village in Eastern France. His father, Xavier Vuitton, was a farmer, his mother, Coronne Gaillard, a milliner. In 1835, aged 13, Vuitton left Anchay on foot for his two-year journey to Paris. He found work as a layetier – a maker of wooden boxes and cases for transporting travelers’ possessions – and was selected as the personal layetier to Empress Eugénie de Montijo, a Spanish Countess and wife of Napoleon III.
In 1854, at 4 Rue Neuve de Capucines, Paris, Vuitton launched his enterprise, gaining recognition among Parisian nobility. A second Parisian store opened at 1, Rue Scribe, after the 1871 Siege of Paris. Striped “Rayée” canvas and the first Vuitton Wardrobe Trunk arrived in the 1870s, expanding abroad to 289 Oxford Street, London, and introducing the Damier canvas in the 1880s.
Louis Vuitton passed...
Category
1930s French Vintage Brass Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
Swiss Wooden Steam Trunk with Runners, Brass, Iron, Leather Details, circa 1880
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This wooden steam trunk from the late nineteenth century features locks stamped Depose, or trademarked, as well as a brass plaque marked Craeser, Malles & Maroquinerie, Laussanne (Su...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Brass Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass, Iron
1920's-1930's Louis Vuitton Trunk in Monogram, 80 cm Louis Vuitton Steamer Trunk
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
This superb Louis Vuitton steamer trunk features hand painted stenciled monogram canvas, deep chocolate color leather trim, Louis Vuitton stamped solid brass locks, clasps and studs ...
Category
1920s French Vintage Brass Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
20th Century Louis Vuitton Suitcase In Monogram Canvas, France
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 Brass Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
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