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Material: Metal
Vintage French Cream Leather or Vellum Lavoët Cube Shaped Suitcase or Valise
Located in AMSTERDAM, NH
Experience the elegance of this French luxury cream vellum cube-shaped suitcase or valise from the 1920s.
This sophisticated piece, manufactured by Lavoët, Paris (Bd Haussmann), is ...
Category
Early 20th Century Industrial Metal Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
19th Century Wien Armored Cabinet, Safe, Restored and Functioning, All Original
By Wien
Located in Vigonza, Padua
1969 Wien Armored cabinet, safe, restored and functioning, in solid oak the internal structure, covered with panels in welded steel.
Measures cm: H 1...
Category
Late 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Metal Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Steel
Antique 20th Century Louis Vuitton Hat Trunk In Monogram Canvas, Paris c.1900
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
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...
Category
20th Century French Other Metal 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 Metal Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass, Iron
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 Metal Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass, Iron
1920's Moynat Trunk In Beige Vellum, 100 cm Moynat Steamer Trunk, Moynat Trunk
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
This Moynat steamer trunk features very nice and sought after beige vellum as well as copper corners, 2 copper Moynat stamped locks , two large leather side handles and one more on t...
Category
1920s French Vintage Metal Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
20thC Louis Vuitton Presidential Briefcase In Monogram Canvas, France c.1980
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A charming Louis Vuitton hard-sided case, late 20th century, the exterior finished in the famous monogram canvas with brass fittings. This beautiful example is in great condition, al...
Category
20th Century French Other Metal Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
Louis Vuitton Suitcase Bisten 80 Paris 1970s
Located in Milano, IT
Louis Vuitton model Bisten 80 hard suitcase in the iconic monogram canvas, dating from the 1970s. The interior is lined and the handles rounded with leather; the corners are brass an...
Category
1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Metal Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
1930's Finnigans of London Luxury Cognac Leather Suitcase Ruby Red Interior
Located in Red Lion, PA
Rare 1930s Finnigan’s of London Cognac Leather Suitcase – Red and Gilt Interior
This exceptional 1930s leather suitcase by Finnigan’s of London captures the golden age of travel wi...
Category
1930s British Art Deco Vintage Metal Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Metal
Wardrobe Louis Vuitton Trunk
Located in palm beach, FL
In 1870’s, the Wardrobe trunk became the ultimate symbol of Parisian chic for outfits and accessories. Since, it undergoes a constant evolution to keep pace with the exigences of mod...
Category
1980s French Vintage Metal Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
$73,000
Early 20th Century Leather and Canvas Secured Mail Bag C. A. Hoffman & Sons
Located in Red Lion, PA
Early 20th Century Leather and Canvas Locking Mail Bag by C. A. Hoffman & Sons, Arlington, California
This rare and evocative early 20th-century locking mail bag was manufactured by...
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial Metal Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Metal
Checkers Louis Vuitton Trunk, 85 cm Damiers Louis Vuitton Steamer Trunk
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
This elegant Louis Vuitton features the very sought after checkers pattern.In some of the checkers, it is written "L.Vuitton marque de fabrique déposée". It also features silver stee...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Metal Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Steel
Antique 20th Century Louis Vuitton Trunk In Woven Canvas, France c.1900
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 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...
Category
20th Century French Other Metal Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Metal, Brass
20th Century Louis Vuitton "Malle Haute" Trunk In Monogram Canvas, France c.1920
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
An exquisite early 20th Century “malle haute“ (tall trunk) by Louis Vuitton. Covered in the world famous LV monogrammed canvas, with its leather trim and brass fittings, it would hav...
Category
20th Century French Other Metal Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
Superbe 17th Century French Blanket Chest or Trunk
Located in Stockbridge, GA
Superbe 17th century French blanket chest or trunk.
Category
Mid-17th Century French Louis XIV Antique Metal Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Iron
Woven Aluminum Laundry Hamper Chest, 1970s
By Paul Evans
Located in Miami, FL
Aluminum woven laundry chest or hamper, 1970s
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Metal Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Aluminum
20th Spanish Trunk, Blanket Chest with Raised Wooden Panels and Iron Hardware
Located in Miami, FL
20th Spanish trunk with raised wooden panels and original iron hardware
A Spanish carved wood blanket chest from the 20th century. This an...
Category
Early 20th Century Spanish Spanish Colonial Metal Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Iron
Original Antique Fully Stamped Army & Navy Cls Steamer Campaign Trunk Zinc Lined
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this original circa 1880-1900 Army & Navy CLS, zinc linen steamer trunk
This is a very well made example of a steamer trunk designed for luxury ...
Category
1880s British Late Victorian Antique Metal Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Steel, Iron
Japanese Meiji Period Black Lacquered Trunk on Stand
Located in Kenilworth, IL
Japanese black lacquered wood trunk with engraved cast brass corner mounts and bails for the lift off cover. The brasses retain traces of their original gilding. All four sides of the case have been decorated in a restrained design of flowers and butterflies, and the interior of the trunk retains its original watercolored paper. The trunk has been mounted on a custom forged iron stand...
Category
19th Century Meiji Antique Metal Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass, Iron
$2,560 Sale Price
20% Off
18th Century Baroque Chest
Located in Wilton, CT
This large domed 18th Century Baroque Chest is made with solid oak and mounted with decorative iron strapwork and handles. It is a handsome...
Category
18th Century German Baroque Antique Metal Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Iron
$2,000 Sale Price
20% Off
Blonde Chinese Hide Storage Trunk, C. 1800
Located in Chicago, IL
Trunks and storage chests were the most ubiquitous form of household storage throughout the Ming and Qing dynasties. Used to store clothes, linens, kitchen utensils, and other miscel...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Metal Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
19th Century Swedish Mid-Sized Iron Trunk Safe with Locks and Key
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish iron safe from the 19th century. This antique Swedish rectangular-shaped iron safe features three chunky padlocks which dangle open from the front top (note that these cann...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Metal Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Metal, Iron
20th Century Louis Vuitton Courier Trunk In Monogram Canvas, 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
20th Century French Other Metal Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
French Pair of Parchment Suitcases Trunks, circa 1930
Located in Labrit, Landes
French vintage pair of suit cases, made of parchment and fabric, with label holder.
The address of the original owner is wrotten inside each suit case.
...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Metal Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Metal
1930s Metal Suitcase
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Most unique and unusual 1930s metal suitcase by Jones Brothers & Co. combination of wood and metal with unique hardware.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Metal Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Metal
$1,250
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 Metal Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
Antique Art Deco Steel Metal Military Weapons Black Storage Travel Trunk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Art Deco steel metal military weapons black storage travel trunk. Item features a steel metal construction, distressed finish, very nice ant...
Category
Early 20th Century Art Deco Metal Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Steel
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 Metal Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Stone, Brass
$360 Sale Price
20% Off
19th Century Anglo-Indian Colonial Fruit Wood Chest with Wrought Iron Fittings
Located in Marbella, ES
19th century Anglo-Indian colonial fruit wood chest with wrought iron fittings.
Robust chest with iron fittings on all sides, rounded handles on the sides and two locks on the fr...
Category
Mid-19th Century Indian Antique Metal Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Iron
18th Century Colonial Wooden Chest with Relief Carvings and Iron Fittings
Located in Marbella, ES
18th century colonial wooden trunk with hand carved ornamental, flower and bust reliefs on top and sides. Wrought iron fittings, decorations and side h...
Category
Mid-18th Century South American Antique Metal Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Iron
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 Metal Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
20th Century Louis Vuitton Wardrobe Trunk In Monogram Canvas, France c.1920
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Stunning and most importantly complete, this early 20th Century Louis Vuitton wardrobe trunk was the must have item of any elite traveller. Covered in the world famous LV monogrammed...
Category
20th Century French Other Metal Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
19th Century Travel Trunk by Innovation, , , great size 25 x 25 x25
By Innovation
Located in Buffalo, NY
19th century travel trunk by Innovation
Innovation is a well known American company which specialised in luxury travel wardrobes and suitcases, th...
Category
Early 1900s North American Industrial Antique Metal Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Metal
Delaware Valley Black Walnut Dower Chest, 1830
Located in Kenilworth, IL
American black walnut dower chest over three divided drawers. The chest features post and panel construction with the corner posts terminating in turned fe...
Category
1830s American Antique Metal Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Iron
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 Metal Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century Carved Wooden Sideboard with 2 Drawers and Door
Located in Miami, FL
Carved wooden sideboard, with two drawers on the waist and a lower door, mid-century. With gilt bronze applications. On lentil legs. This piece of furniture has been restored. It is ...
Category
1920s Spanish Baroque Vintage Metal Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Bronze
Trunk. Wood, leather, iron. Spanish school, around 1700.
Located in Madrid, ES
Trunk. Wood, leather, iron. Spanish school, around 1700.
Wooden trunk with curved lid and rectangular shape, covered in leather on the outside, with hardware, handles, studs and two...
Category
18th Century Spanish Neoclassical Antique Metal Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Other
Charming Set of 3 Victorian Artful Hand Decoupaged Storage Trunks
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Set of 3 charming hand decoupaged storage chests or trunks with hinged lids, circa 1910. Imagery is an artfully arranged mix of Victoriana including ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Victorian Metal Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Metal
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 Metal Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Metal, Brass
Mid-Century Modern Trunk Model “Sabara” in Hardwood by Sergio Rodrigues, 1965
Located in New York, NY
Available today, this spectacular Brazilian Modern Trunk model “Sabara” in Brazilian Rosewood, known as Jacaranda is nothing less than spectacular!
The "Sabará" trunk was designed ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Metal Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Chrome
Stylish Ferragamo Leather/Canvas Bag With Brass Accents ca' 1980's
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A stylish and perfect for the summer-duffle bag by Salvatore Ferragamo, Firenze, Italy. Blue leather, canvas, opposing F brass insignia.
Category
1980s Italian Modern Vintage Metal Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
20th Century Louis Vuitton Shoe Trunk, France c.1930
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A magnificent and exceptionally rare Louis Vuitton shoe trunk, adorned with stencilled monogram canvas, lozine trim and brass fittings. Elevating its uniqueness is the remarkably uncommon size that distinguishes it from standard models. This extraordinary piece measures an impressive 90cm in length, an astounding 50% wider than the already scarce shoe trunks typically encountered. Dating back to the first half of the 20th century, this trunk was an indispensable possession for discerning elite travellers, evoking the grandeur of passenger ships and the first-class luxury of bygone eras.
Designed with the utmost attention to detail, this rare find is equipped with its original lift-out trays, showcasing the timeless craftsmanship that has come to define Louis Vuitton...
Category
20th Century French Other Metal Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
Korean Wedding Chest, c. 1920
Located in Chicago, IL
This lacquered wedding chest dates to the early 20th century and was likely originally used as a bridewealth chest during a traditional Korean wedding ceremony. The exterior is finished with red and black lacquer and decorated with two round medallions conveying blessings of luck and longevity. The chest opens from the top, secured with a brass lock plate in the form of a butterfly, a traditional symbol of a life of prosperity and joy. Vintage newsprint...
Category
Early 20th Century Korean Metal 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 Metal Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
FULLY RESTORED ANTiQUE 1910 LOUIS VUITTON STAMPED & SIGNED MALLE PENDERIE TRUNK
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely stunning fully restored original Louis Vuitton 1910 steamer wardrobe, Malle Penderie trunk i...
Category
1910s French Edwardian Vintage Metal Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass, Copper
1930s Red Canvas "Cube Shape" Hat Trunk, Steamer Trunk, Travel Trunk
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
This very nice red canvas and leather hat box features leather trim and leather top handle as well as solid brass locks, clasps and studs.
It is very elegant and it has got a very r...
Category
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Metal Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
Original Painted Swedish Flat Top Box or Small Trunk, dated 1841
Located in Round Top, TX
Original painted flat top pine box or small trunk from Sweden, dated 1841.
The brick red/brown paint has traditional folk art patterns including a stylized faux wood grain. Distress ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Folk Art Antique Metal Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Wrought Iron
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 Metal Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
Ostrich Skin Men's Briefcase /Attaché Vintage Burgundy Suede Interior
Located in Westport, CT
Ostrich leg men's briefcase/ attaché case vintage burgundy tanned skin, suede interior with skin designed trim locking combination. New old stock
...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Metal Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
Excellent Condition Leather Medicinal Bag Made in Vienna, 1950/1960
Located in Vienna, AT
The item on sale is a original medicinal bag made from smooth medium colour leather. All the handles, zippers and flaps look untouched, no stains or marks from grabbing. The hardware...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Metal Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
Necessaire antique XIX century Napoleonic period
Located in Torino, IT
very rare writing set in original condition and never used, belonging to an aristocratic production of the mid-19th century.
The finish and great quality of execution attribute its a...
Category
1840s European Empire Antique Metal Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Silver
Japanese Post War Aluminum Riveted Trunk on Iron Stand with Glass Top, Restored
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Japanese post war aluminum riveted trunk on iron stand with glass top, restored
Stamped TS Tokyo on the lock, at the time of posting we have another trunk and stand LU2592316549342
...
Category
20th Century Japanese Modern Metal Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Iron, Aluminum
$1,421 Sale Price / set
25% Off
Large British Military Officer's Campaign Trunk of Brass-Bound Camphor
Located in Austin, TX
A large handsome rectangular British military officer's Campaign trunk of camphorwood featuring hand-cut brass binding and hardware, with interior compartments, and resting on bracke...
Category
19th Century English Campaign Antique Metal Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Metal, Brass
20th Century Pair Of Leather Clad English Army / Navy Style Trunks
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A pair of leather-clad Army and Navy style trunks, crafted in England in the late 20th century, they exude rugged sophistication and timeless appeal. Inspired by traditional military...
Category
20th Century British Other Metal Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
Hand Carved Large Pine Trunk, circa 1800
Located in Round Top, TX
It is the hand-carved elements that make this trunk or "coffer" so impressive. Please examine the close up photos to appreciate the craftsmanship that went into the detailed carvings...
Category
Early 19th Century German Gothic Revival Antique Metal Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Wrought Iron
20th Century Louis Vuitton Cabin Trunk In Monogram Canvas, 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
20th Century French Other Metal Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
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 Metal Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Silver
Antique English Military Boot Field Trunk c.1900
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
Antique English military boot field small trunk. Leather with brass accents, brass locks and brass feet. Stamped "Sole Leather" in front. Original travel sticker on one side. ...
Category
Late 19th Century British Victorian Antique Metal Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
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 Metal Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
20th Century Louis Vuitton Black Epi Leather Document Case, Made In France c1990
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A late 20th Century Louis Vuitton document case, crafted in Epi leather with brass accents. Made in France around 1990, this soft briefcase...
Category
20th Century French Other Metal Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
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