European Trunks and Luggage
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Place of Origin: European
19th Century Camphor Wood Travelling Campaign Trunk
Located in Petworth,West Sussex, GB
A large late 19th-century camphor wood brass-bound travelling campaign trunk with brass mounts and carrying handles. It features a warm, rich colour and patina, suitable for use as a...
Category
19th Century Antique European Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Other
Exceptionally Large Louis Vuitton Wardrobe Trunk, circa 1955
By Louis Vuitton
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 Vintage European Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Metal, Brass
Louis Vuitton LV Monogram 'Alzer' Suitcase, circa 1995
By Louis Vuitton
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 European Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
20th Century Louis Vuitton Suitcase In Monogram Canvas, France c.1970
By Louis Vuitton
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 Other Vintage European Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Leather, Canvas
Pair of Zinc Steamer Trunks / Coffee Tables
Located in Barcelona, ES
Set of two polished zinc cabin travel trunks / coffee tables by Mossman, England, 1930s
They have gilt patinated iron locks, iron bindings and one has rubber handles, the other one ...
Category
20th Century Industrial European Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Metal, Iron, Zinc
$8,087 / set
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 Edwardian Antique European Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Leather
$1,050 Sale Price
25% Off
20thC Louis Vuitton Presidential Briefcase In Monogram Canvas, France c.1980
By Louis Vuitton
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 Other European Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
Louis Vuitton Malle Cabine Damier trunk France 20th century circa 1890
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Pambio Noranco, CH
Louis Vuitton's elegant and exclusive Malle Cabine trunk, the Maison's travel icon. The sophisticated creation, with its compact design, was intended to be stowed under the cabin bed...
Category
Late 20th Century European Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century Antique Suitcase Covered in Blue Leather
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
Antique travelling bag covered in blue leather. With gold-plated brass metal fittings on the edges, corners and zips. The structure is reinforced with studs all round, giving it robu...
Category
1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage European Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Antique Suitcase in Grey Sheet Metal
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
Antique suitcase in grey sheet metal. Structure reinforced by angle brackets and steel rivets painted black, characteristic of mid-20th century models. The piece is fitted with gold-...
Category
1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage European Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Metal
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 Vintage European Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
MOMODESIGN Italy Burlwood & Leather Attaché Briefcase
Located in Stamford, CT
MOMODESIGN, an esteemed Italian company renowned for its avant-garde designs spanning fashion, accessories, and automotive adornments, originally gained prominence under its former m...
Category
1970s Modern Vintage European Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Leather, Burl
Antique Louis Vuitton Steamer Trunk, c. 1870's
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Los Angeles, CA
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"...
Category
1870s Antique European Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Metal
Large Antique chest covered with sculpted copper relief, Belgium ca. 1930
Located in Meulebeke, BE
Belgium / 1930 / chest / copper, wood / Antique / Baroque / Mid-century / Vintage
A beautiful large storage or treasure chest crafted in wood and covered in sculptured copper relief...
Category
1930s Baroque Vintage European Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Copper
Antique French Travel Trunk
Located in Newtown, CT
Antique French Travel Trunk. Well made late 1800's. It measures 20" deep and high and 35.75" wide. Wear is consistent with age. Nice graphics and the handles are stamped LV.
Category
Late 19th Century Victorian Antique European Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Canvas
20th Century Louis Vuitton Courier Trunk In Monogram Canvas, France c.1930
By Louis Vuitton
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 Other European Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
Italian Renaissance Polychromed Trunk
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Renaissance style carved cassone floor trunk with polychromed and gold trim (17th Cent.)
Category
17th Century Renaissance Antique European Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Wood
A large classic Louis Vuitton steamer trunk
By Louis Vuitton
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 European Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
Pair of Authentic Louis Vuitton Luggage Pieces
By Louis Vuitton
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 Vintage European Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
$12,500 / set
Midcentury French Riviera Storage Chest / Bench in Bamboo and Wicker, Italy 1970
By Dal Vera
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning French Riviera style storage chest or bench fully hand-made in rattan and hand-woven wicker. This incredibly stylish and unique piece was produced in Italy during the 1970s....
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern European Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
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 Campaign Antique European Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
French 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 on the top marked with initials DF and the number 2....
Category
Late 19th Century Antique European Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass, Iron
20th Century Louis Vuitton Hat Trunk In Rare "Vuittonite" Canvas, France c.1900
By Louis Vuitton
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 Other European Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
Two Vintage Louis Vuitton Trunks
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Two vintage Louis Vuitton Trunks / Each one has its own serial number on the inside.
Category
20th Century European Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Leather
$11,600 / set
circa 1800 Extra Large Antique Original Paint German Blanket Chest Coffer Trunk
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning, extra large circa 1800 hand painted German clothes trunk or marriage coffer chest with Acanthus leaf painting
I have recently purchased a very large collection of these original, antique painted wardrobes...
Category
Early 1800s George III Antique European Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Pine
Rare Vintage Ferrari 208 Turbo Schedoni Leather Travel Bag
Located in Forney, TX
An exquisite, extremely rare and highly sought after, vintage Ferrari 208 Turbo fitted original Schedoni Italian brown leather travel bag luggage. Handcrafted in Modena, Italy, each piece of a set of three, custom designed and fitted to each specific Ferrari model...
Category
Late 20th Century European Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Leather
Spanish 17th Century Coffre, Trunk
Located in Round Top, TX
A very handsome 17th century Coffre - Trunk from the Catalan region of Spain. Wonderfully constructed with solid boards of walnut. Perfect at the base of a bed, under a picture windo...
Category
17th Century Antique European Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Walnut
20th Century Louis Vuitton Cabin Trunk In Natural Cow Hide, Paris, c.1910
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A rare Louis Vuitton cabin trunk covered in leather. Dating to the early part of the 20th century, covered not in the world famous (but more common) monogram canvas but in a single piece of cow hide. These all-leather trunks were made by special order and Louis Vuitton used...
Category
20th Century European Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Leather, Canvas
19th Century Dome Top Trunk, Circa 1880
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
Add a piece of history to your home with this stunning antique wooden trunk, dating from approximately 1880-1890. Handcrafted from solid pine, this charming piece was originally desi...
Category
19th Century Antique European Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Iron
Antique shepherd’s chest, 1850s
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Big shepherd’s chest with a beautiful appearance and proportions from around 1850. These chests were made in the same way for centuries. They were decorated with traditional magical ...
Category
1850s Folk Art Antique European Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Beech
Presteen Condition Leather Weekender Bag Made in Vienna, 1950/ 1960
Located in Vienna, AT
The item on sale is a dreamy weekender/travel bag made from beautiful light leather. All the handles, zippers and flaps look untouched, no stains or marks from grabbing. The bottom i...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern European Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
1980s Gucci GG Coated Canvas Navy Red Duffel Bag + Case
By Gucci
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC presents
1980s Gucci Coated Canvas Navy Red Duffel Carry Bag Tote and Case
weekend duffel tote bag and case
GG monogram
duffel storage case is 12 x 9
exterior side zip pocke...
Category
Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern European Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Canvas, PVC
Antique Rare 20thC Louis Vuitton "Malle Fleurs" Trunk In Monogram Canvas, France
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
An extremely rare “malle fleurs“, or “flower trunk“ made by Louis Vuitton in the 1920s. These items are one of the rarest of trunks in circulation. Gaston Louis Vuitton had a company...
Category
20th Century Other European Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
Early 17th Century Medieval Handcrafted Black Iron Coffer or Box
Located in Brescia, IT
The iron coffer, fully original in every part of it, was forged and handcrafted in German in the 1610. Complete with key. Full working iron mechanisms. It ...
Category
Early 17th Century Medieval Antique European Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Iron
1 OF 1 HERMES PARIS JOHN LOBB EXTRA LARGE SHOE TRUNK HAND DYED LEATHER PANELs
By John Lobb, Hermès
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Hermes Paris for John Lobb shoe trunk and care kit with original accessories plus countless extras
Where to begin! This is the finest example of this kind of trunk I have ever see...
Category
Late 20th Century Art Deco European Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Leather, Beech
Red Goyard Trunk, Goyard Steamer Trunk
By Goyard
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
This adorable little Goyard trunk features Hermes red color canvas, solid brass corners and solid brass engraved Goyard lock and clasps. It has got a large leather handle on the top.
Its interior is all original too in cream color lining and it still has got its original red Goyard...
Category
1930s Vintage European Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
50cm Louis Vuitton Trunk, 1940s France
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Classic Louis Vuitton trunk from the 1940s. 50 cm wide. Perfect for weekend trips or for storing items in the house. Case has "Louis Vuitton, Made In France, 149620" impressed on fro...
Category
1940s Mid-Century Modern Vintage European Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
Antique shepherd’s chest, 1820s
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Antique shepherd’s chest with geometric decoration from the Carpathian Highlands, ca. 1820. Also called sarcophagus chests or Wallachian chests because of their association with the ...
Category
1820s Folk Art Antique European Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Beech
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 Modern European Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Leather
Louis Vuitton 'Vache Naturelle' Tan Leather Suitcase, circa 1935
By Louis Vuitton
Located in London, GB
A superb 'Vache Naturelle' suitcase by Louis Vuitton. With original cotton lined interior (missing tray), circa 1935.
Louis Vuitton was founded by its namesake in 1854, with the fir...
Category
1930s Vintage European Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
Louis Vuitton Courrier Trunk in Damier Canvas 90 cm, Vuitton Steamer Trunk
By Louis Vuitton
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 Antique European Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
Vintage Early 20th Century Vanity Set in Original Leather Case
Located in Forest Row, East Sussex
An early 20th century vanity set. Including sewing items, clothes brushes, perfume bottles, a vanity mirror, pedicure set, nail buffer and more. All origin...
Category
Early 20th Century European Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Leather, Bakelite
19th Century Baroque Revival Carved Wooden Blanket Chest
Located in Vero Beach, FL
19th Century baroque revival carved wooden blanket chest.
Elaborately carved wood chest in superb quality. Floral motif in relief on all sides....
Category
19th Century Baroque Antique European Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Fruitwood
$2,320 Sale Price
20% Off
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 Mid-Century Modern European Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
Rare English 19th Century Regency Cellarette Wine Cooler
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Incredible large English Regency antique cellarette wine cooler in a blonde light color wood, beautifully grained, having carved paw feet and or...
Category
Early 19th Century Regency Antique European Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Wood
20th Century Louis Vuitton Trunk In Monogram Canvas, France c.1930
By Louis Vuitton
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 iconic LV monogrammed canvas, accented by lozine trim and brass fittings. This trunk stood as the epitome of luxury over 100 years ago, boasting an unparalleled level of sophistication and elegance, it remains a timeless masterpiece that transcends eras.
The captivating allure of the Louis Vuitton trunk transforms it into more than a mere luggage accessory; it becomes a focal point for any room. With its impressive dimensions, it is perfectly suited as a striking coffee table, side table, or even as a standalone centrepiece, seamlessly integrating into any interior, whether modern or traditional. An extraordinary piece that not only pays homage to the past but also serves as a statement of unparalleled luxury in the present.
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 Other European Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
Louis Vuitton, Ave Marceau, 78bis, Paris, 1950's Suitcase
Located in Montreal, QC
Rigid suitcase in monogram canvas, lozinated edges, corners and closure in brass. Bought from Saks Fifth Ave New-York.
Category
1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage European Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Leather
Louis Vuitton Trunk in Woven Canvas, 75 cm Louis Vuitton Steamer Trunk
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Antique end of the 19th century genuine and superb Louis Vuitton "Malle Courrier" or steamer trunk, medium size, rare and sought after Tissé monogram canvas, black metal bound with b...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique European Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass, Steel
Louis Vuitton Suitcase
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Louis Vuitton Suitcase in great vintage condition. France, 1940s.
Category
Mid-20th Century European Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
$4,000
antique beech shepherd’s chest, 1850’s
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Low shepherd’s chest with a beautiful appearance and proportions. These chests were made in the same way for centuries. They were decorated with traditional magical geometric symbols...
Category
1850s Folk Art Antique European Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Beech
Italian Antique Wood Bench with Back
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
It's an old , nice and sturdy chest. It has a single internal space, but three doors to open it where needed. The backrest is also comfortable so as not to lean against the wall: Y...
Category
Late 19th Century Louis Philippe Antique European Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Fruitwood
Vintage Boho Louis Vuitton Steamer Trunk
By Louis Vuitton
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A spectacular vintage Boho Steamer trunk. Made by the prestigious Louis Vuitton group. All over patina from time and use. This is a well loved trunk! Marked on the lock. Three interior stacking shelves...
Category
Early 20th Century European Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Leather, Wood
1920s French Leather Suitcase
Located in High Point, NC
Discover the timeless elegance of this 1920s French Leather Suitcase, an exquisite piece that captures the essence of early 20th-century travel. Crafted with meticulous attention to ...
Category
Early 20th Century European Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Leather
STARBAY SURCOUF LARGE STEAMER TRUNK AT HOME BAR WiTH GLASSES CHAMPAGNE BUCKET
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely stunning Starbay Surcouf large at home bar hidden inside a steamer...
Category
20th Century Victorian European Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
Hand-Crafted Tan Leather & Oak Box
Located in London, GB
Hand cut, hand-stitched and riveted from the very finest heavy stirrup bridle leather. Solid English oak with burr copper rivet base. The box is hand saddle stitched in the tradition...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern European Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Leather, Oak
$1,713 / item
French Lithographed Earth Globe Cast Iron Base Early 20th Century
Located in Labrit, Landes
Lithographed Paper and Cast Iron Globe, J. Lebègue & Cie – Early 20 th Century
Globe made by L. Windels Brussels
The globe has a beautiful cast iron base covered of bronze patina.
T...
Category
1910s French Provincial Vintage European Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Iron
20th Century Louis Vuitton Courier Trunk In Monogram Canvas, France c.1930
By Louis Vuitton
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 Other European Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
Early Louis Vuitton Steamer Trunk, C. 1910
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Charlottesville, VA
Early Louis Vuitton trunk, c. 1910, with LV insignia pattern having one interior tray, Monogram travel labels, Interior label, Rue Scribe Par...
Category
1910s Vintage European Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Wood
1930's Finnigans of London Luxury Cognac Leather Suitcase Ruby Red Interior
By Finnigans, London 1
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 Art Deco Vintage European Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Metal
20th Century Louis Vuitton Trunk, France c.1930
By Louis Vuitton
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 iconic LV monogrammed canvas, accented by lozine trim and brass fittings. This trunk stood as the epitome of luxury over 100 years ago, boasting an unparalleled level of sophistication and elegance, it remains a timeless masterpiece that transcends eras.
The captivating allure of the Louis Vuitton trunk transforms it into more than a mere luggage accessory; it becomes a focal point for any room. With its impressive dimensions, it is perfectly suited as a striking coffee table, side table, or even as a standalone centrepiece, seamlessly integrating into any interior, whether modern or traditional. An extraordinary piece that not only pays homage to the past but also serves as a statement of unparalleled luxury in the present.
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 Other European Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
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