Brass Trunks and Luggage

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...

Antique end of the 19th century genuine and superb Louis Vuitton "Malle Courrier" or steamer trunk, medium size, rare and sought after Tisse' monogram canvas, silver color metal bound with brass studs, reinforced with wooden laths, with wheels to the base and large leather handles to either end.Its handles are embossed Louis Vuitton on its flanges. It has got a very warm and lively look thanks to its patinated by time woven canvas. Its main lock, made of solid brass is stamped Louis Vuitton, as well as all its brass studs .Its lock number is stamped. Its interior is all original too, lined with a beige fabric but its quilting under its lid has been redone a while ago..It also has its 2 original removable trays Brand tag on the internal side of the cover reading "Louis Vuitton I. Rue scribe...

Vintage Chinse ebonized and polished brass trunk. Circa 1970. A timeless and classic touch for a fine interior.

This superb Louis Vuitton steamer trunk features monogram canvas,honey color lozine trim, LV stamped solid brass locks and clasps , studs as well as leather side handles and brass co...

A Rare Louis Vuitton Dresser/Desk trunk that is entirely covered with signature monogrammed canvas from Louis Vuitton circa 1930s. The exterior c...

A Louis Vuitton Shoe trunk that is entirely covered with signature monogrammed canvas from Louis Vuitton circa 1930s. The canvas has lived and bears marks, scratches and losses. It ...

A magnificent trunk that is entirely covered by the damier canvas from Louis Vuitton circa 1890s. The original leather strap is still in place, but unfortunately broken and can't clo...

A beautiful trunk that is entirely covered by the signature monogrammed canvas from Louis Vuitton circa 1920s. The monogram canvas shows some loss and scratches on the top of the tru...

A beautiful Hat trunk that is entirely covered by the signature stencil monogrammed canvas from Louis Vuitton circa 1930s. It features: - Lozine trim, - Brass hardware. - a leath...

A beautiful cabin trunk that is entirely covered signature stencil monogrammed canvas from Louis Vuitton circa 1930s. It features: - Lozine trim, - Wooden slats - Brass hardware....

This superb Louis Vuitton steamer trunk features stenciled monogram canvas, deep chocolate color leather trim, LV stamped solid brass locks and studs as well as solid brass side hand...

An antique Chinese red lacquered trunk from the early 20th century, with court scenes, foliage and birds. Created in China during the early y...

A beautiful shoe trunk that is entirely covered with the signature stencil monogrammed canvas from Louis Vuitton circa 1930s. It features: - Lozine trim, - Wooden slats - Brass hardware. Original owner’s initials are painted on the side exterior canvas: L.S The spacious interior has been newly relined following the original lining design, with two removable trays. (There is no inner label) Originally this trunk was used to store shoes. The trunk has no keys. Dimensions: Height 40cm, width 61.5cm, depth 39cm The dimensions of this trunk would be perfect as a side table or mini coffee table...

Studded with brass nails and textured by richly worn black lacquer, this spectacular trunk dates to the late Ming dynasty and would have been used by a wealthy family or merchant to ...

Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely stunning fully restored original Louis Vuitton 1920 steamer wardrobe trunk originally owne...

Louis Vuitton 'President' attaché case in taiga leather, circa 2003 with matching burgundy leather lining to the inside. The front is secured with a sprun...

Early 20th century Louis Vuitton Paris monogram canvas trunk, travel hard case. Not only is this early 20th century Louis Vuitton Paris mo...

1930s Louis Vuitton monogram steamer trunk. The exterior of the trunk has the classic LV monogram, wood and leather trimming with ...

This English camphor wood trunk on stand from the late 19th century features a painted leather body with brass accents in the corners and nailheads. The red background is adorned wit...

Late 16th century Spanish leather trunk with original hardware and brass tack designs.

Vintage eight-piece set of Hartman luggage in Hartman signature canvas with leather straps and handles from train case to various sizes.

44" long vintage Louis Vuitton footlocker with four trays, leather handles and keys.