Europe Trunks and Luggage
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Item Ships From: Europe
Trunk Louis Vuitton Malle Cabine Tissé France XX secolo Paris 1870 circa
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Pambio Noranco, CH
Baule Louis Vuitton, elegante ed esclusivo, icona da viaggio della Maison. La sofisticata creazione, dal design compatto, era pensata per essere trasporto in carrozza, questo modello...
Category
Late 20th Century French Europe Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
1920's Louis Vuitton Steamer Trunk in Stenciled Monogram , Vuitton Trunk
By Louis Vuitton
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 Europe Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
20th Century Louis Vuitton Trunk In Monogram Canvas, France, c.1900
By Louis Vuitton
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 Europe Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
Late 19th Century Italian Rustic Antique Trunk in Fir Wood
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
We are delighted to present this rustic antique Italian trunk, dating back to the end of the 19th century. Crafted from solid fir wood, this trunk exudes a charming rustic appeal, characterized by its intense brown color that imparts a warm and inviting effect to any space.
The lid lifts effortlessly to reveal a spacious compartment, perfect for ample storage. A functional wooden rod keeps the lid open, providing easy access to your belongings. On the sides, two sturdy iron handles make it practical to lift and move the trunk as needed. While the lock is intact, please note that the key is missing. The trunk showcases traditional antique joints...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Europe Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Fir
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 French Antique Europe Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass, Steel
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 French Other Europe Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
ORIGINAL PAINT SiNGLE DRAWER STORAGE TRUNK OR CHEST IDEAL AS TOYS OR TV STAND
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely original circa 1930's hand painted storage trunk or chest with full sized single drawer
Please ...
Category
1930s European Edwardian Vintage Europe Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Pine
Louis Vuitton LV Monogram 'Bisten' Suitcase, circa 1990
By Louis Vuitton
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 Europe 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 English Europe Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Leather, Bakelite
20th Century Louis Vuitton Wardrobe Trunk In Monogram Canvas, France c.1920
By Louis Vuitton
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 Europe Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
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 Belgian Baroque Vintage Europe Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Copper
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 Europe Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
Galerie Maison & Jardin bamboo marquetry brass trunk 1970
By Galerie Maison et Jardin
Located in Paris, IDF
Beautiful Galerie Maison & Jardin trunk from the early 1970s. Natural bamboo as the chief material, the patterned marquetry creates a beautiful symmetry, with an organic aesthetic, w...
Category
1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Europe 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 Europe Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Metal
Louis Vuitton Courrier Trunk in Damier Canvas 100 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 French Antique Europe 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 Europe Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Steel
Vintage Hand Painted California Line San Francisco Steamer Trunk Chest Toy Box
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely hand painted vintage steamer trunk with nautical decoration depicting the California Line to San F...
Category
20th Century English Victorian Europe Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Pine
19th Century Travel Trunk by Innovation
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
19th century travel trunk by Innovation
Innovation is a well known American company which specialised in luxury travel wardrobes and suitcases, they had a shop on Les Champs Elysé...
Category
Late 19th Century American Classical Antique Europe Trunks and Luggage
Antique chest safe from the 17th century
Located in Cesena, FC
Antique chest safe from the 17th century, made of wrought iron.
Antique wrought iron safe chest from 1600, studded, with working mechanism
For key insertion there is a dungeon mecha...
Category
18th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Europe Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Iron
1930's Moynat Trunk with M Pattern, 90 cm Moynat Steamer Trunk, Moynat Trunk
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
This Moynat steamer trunk features the very nice and sought after hand-painted typical 'M'-pattern canvas as well as brass corners, 2 brass Moynat stamped locks, toffee color lozine ...
Category
1930s French Vintage Europe Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
19th Century Camphor Wood Campaign Travelling Trunk
Located in Petworth,West Sussex, GB
A large late 19th-century camphor wood brass-bound travelling campaign trunk with brass mounts and brass carrying handles. It features a warm, rich colour and patina, suitable for us...
Category
Late 19th Century British British Colonial Antique Europe Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Other
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 Europe Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Leather
Louis Vuitton Trunk, Louis Vuitton Suitcase, Vuitton Steamer Trunk, Alzer 70
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
This piece of luggage is a magnificent Louis Vuitton Alzer monogramm suitcase. This 70 cm suitcase is almost the largest and surely the most luxury one made by Louis Vuitton. It feat...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Europe Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
Art Deco Brown Vintage Alligator Leather Case, 1920s
Located in Vienna, AT
Art Deco alligator traveling grooming leather case is lined with red leather and features various compartments replete with glass bottles with gold lids, leather boxes, flacons and a...
Category
1920s English Art Deco Vintage Europe Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Alligator
17th Century Leather Trunk, 17th Century Chest
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Very unique piece,this 17th century trunk features brown leather and a wonderful job of flowers drawing made with little brass studs.
It has got 2 iron side handles and an iron lock...
Category
17th Century French Antique Europe 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 Europe Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Metal
Antique Travel Trunk, English, Pine, Zinc Lined, Carriage Chest, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique travel trunk. An English, pine and zinc lined carriage chest dating to the Victorian period, circa 1900.
A substantial, appealing ...
Category
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Europe Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Zinc
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 Europe Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Leather, Wood
Vintage Louis Vuitton monogram Stratos suitcase
By Louis Vuitton
Located in London, London
This Louis Vuitton vintage suitcase is a must-have for any collector or fashion lover. It is part of the 1985 LV Stratos collection, exp...
Category
Late 20th Century French Europe Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Leather
19th Century Louis Vuitton Courier Trunk In Striped Canvas, France c.1885
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique 19th Century Louis Vuitton trunk in striped canvas. The earliest Louis Vuitton trunks were revolutionary when they hit the market. It had a flat lid, rather than the domed li...
Category
20th Century French Other Europe Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Metal
20th Century Louis Vuitton "Malle Haute" Trunk In Monogram Canvas, France c.1920
By Louis Vuitton
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 Europe Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
20thC Louis Vuitton Presidential Briefcase In Monogram Canvas, Made In France
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 French Other Europe Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Leather, Canvas
Art Deco Steamer Trunk or Cabin Wardrobe by Hartman Luggage Co.
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Art Deco Steamer Trunk or Cabin Wardrobe by Hartman Luggage Co.
Early 20th Century Estate Wardrobe Trunk from Beckets Leather Goods Company Washington DC...
Category
Early 1900s Art Deco Antique Europe Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Steel
Louis Vuitton Damier Ebene Shoe Trunk, Louis Vuitton Shoe Case, Vuitton Trunk
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
This trunk was a special order made in 2000's. It features checkers canvas, or damier ébène and stamped LV solid brass locks, corners and studs. On the top is the leather handle, Lou...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Europe Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
Louis Vuitton Leather Suitcase, circa 1935
By Louis Vuitton
Located in London, GB
A lovely 'Vache Naturelle' case by Louis Vuitton. With original tray and leather lined interior that would have held a range of fittings; Circa 1935. This case also has three keys.
...
Category
1930s French Vintage Europe Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
1920's Moynat Trunk In Orange Canvas, 75 cm Moynat Steamer Trunk, Moynat Trunk
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
This little Moynat steamer trunk features very nice and sought after orange canvas as well as solid brass corners, 1 brass lock and 2 clasps , two large leather side handles and one ...
Category
1910s French Vintage Europe Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
Ferrari Suitcase Set Manufactured by Schedoni in Black Leather and Aluminum
Located in Marbella, ES
Ferrari suitcase set manufactured by Schedoni in black leather and aluminum
Brand New with Original Cases.
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Europe Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Aluminum
21st Century French Extremely Rare "Assouline" Trunk By Goyard, Paris c.2005
By Goyard
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Renowned for its mastery of luxurious luggage, the Parisian brand Goyard has partnered with Assouline to create a limited-edition trunk. This exquisite piece, wrapped in pristine che...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Other Europe Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Metal
20th Century Louis Vuitton Wardrobe Trunk In Monogram Canvas, France c.1920
By Louis Vuitton
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 Europe Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
Vintage Leather Bag with Carry Handles
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
Small vintage leather Gladstone style bag
A tan leather square mouth small 'Gladstone' bag with brown linen interior with a side pocket. The...
Category
1950s English Vintage Europe Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Leather
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 Europe Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass, Iron
Dunhill of London Brown Grained Leather Flat Card Wallet With Box & Dust Cover
By Alfred Dunhill
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Dunhill of London Brown Belgrave Grained Calf Leather Flat Card Wallet With Steel Engraved Dunhill Logo.
Six card slots, and one centralised pocket.
Item is complete with black Du...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Art Deco Europe Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Steel
Rare 20Th Century Louis Vuitton Car Trunk In Monogram Canvas, France C.1910
By Louis Vuitton
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 Europe 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 French Antique Europe Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
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 Europe Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Other
Holland and Holland Leather Double Gun Case, circa 1900
Located in London, GB
A beautiful leather on oak double gun case made to house a pair of side by side double barrel 12 bore shotguns. With original felt lined interior and elabora...
Category
Early 1900s English Antique Europe 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 Europe Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Leather
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 French Other Europe Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
Set of Zebraskin Trunks
Located in Eindhoven, NL
Set of zebraskin trunks with brown leather trimming, Backside is also in brown leather.
Nice set to put beside a couch or use as a bedside tab...
Category
2010s Dutch Europe Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Animal Skin, Leather
Large 16th century carved and polychroom painted oak Venetian chest, Italy
Located in Meulebeke, BE
Italy / 16th century / Venetian chest or Cassone / oak, polychroom / antique / renaissance
A large carved and gilt painted Venetian marriage chest made in oak in the 16th century i...
Category
16th Century Italian Renaissance Antique Europe Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Wood, Oak
Pretot Paris leather traveling trunk
Located in Cheshire, GB
Early 20th-century steamer travelling trunk, in leather finish with metal fixtures, the interior fitted with drawers and hangers.
Dimensions
Height 16 Inches
Width 41 Inches
Depth 21...
Category
Early 20th Century French Europe Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Leather
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 Austrian Mid-Century Modern Europe Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
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 French Vintage Europe Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Metal, Brass
Luxury Vintage Six Person Fortnum & Mason Wicker Picnic Hamper Crystal
By Fortnum & Mason
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning Vintage large Fortnum & Mason six person wicket picnic hamper RRP £2550
A very well made and decorati...
Category
20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Europe Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Wicker
20th Century Louis Vuitton Courier Trunk In Monogram Canvas, France c.1910
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
1910s French Other Vintage Europe Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Leather, Canvas, Wood
Antique 19th Century Anglo-Indian Haveli Trunk with Iron-Clad Fittings
Located in Casteren, NL
A mid-19th century, Anglo-Indian Trunk with original ribbed iron fittings.
The trunk or chest is made in solid teak wood and richly decorated with hammered and forged iron strappin...
Category
Mid-19th Century Indian Antique Europe Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Steel
20th Century Louis Vuitton Shoe Trunk, France c.1930
By Louis Vuitton
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 Europe Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
20th Century Louis Vuitton Cow Hide Suitcase, France c.1920
By Louis Vuitton
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 Europe Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
