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Item Ships From: United Kingdom
Fitted Steamer Trunk or Cabin Wardrobe, portmanteau by LG Paris
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Fitted steamer trunk or cabin wardrobe, portmanteau by LG Paris
A superb piece of history dating back to the time when your luggage would be ta...
Category
Late 19th Century Victorian Antique United Kingdom - Home Accents
Vintage Campaign Silver Chest, English, Teak, Brass, Shipping Trunk, Art Deco
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage campaign silver chest. An English, teak and brass capped shipping trunk, dating to the Art Deco period, circa 1940.
Appealing example with superb, stout stocks an...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Art Deco United Kingdom - Home Accents
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 United Kingdom - Home Accents
Materials
Leather, Bakelite
Pair of Antique Animalier Bookends, French, Spelter, Onyx, Lecourtier, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a pair of antique animalier bookends. A French, spelter bronze dog bust mounted upon red onyx by Prosper Lecourtier (1851-1924), dating to t...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique United Kingdom - Home Accents
Materials
Spelter
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 United Kingdom - Home Accents
Materials
Leather, Canvas, Wood
20th Century Louis Vuitton Wardrobe Trunk In Monogram Canvas, France
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 United Kingdom - Home Accents
Materials
Brass
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 French Other United Kingdom - Home Accents
Materials
Brass
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 French Art Deco United Kingdom - Home Accents
Materials
Leather, Beech
Antique 20th Century Louis Vuitton Cabin Trunk In Monogram Canvas, France c.1920
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 French Other United Kingdom - Home Accents
Materials
Brass
Antique Gothic Revival Novel Slide, Scottish Oak, Extending Book Rest, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique Gothic revival novel slide. A Scottish, oak and silvered brass extending book rest, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900.
Accentuate your reading corn...
Category
Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Antique United Kingdom - Home Accents
Materials
Oak
French Folding Brass Fan Fire Screen Peacock’s Tail Fire Guard
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
French Folding Brass Fan Fire Screen Peacock’s Tail Fire Guard
This is a very attractive piece, the screen can be folded flat and sits neatly in its stan...
Category
19th Century Art Nouveau Antique United Kingdom - Home Accents
Materials
Brass
'Bird in flight' Room Divider, Blackened Steel and Sculptures, By Margit Wittig
By Margit Wittig
Located in London, GB
Margit Wittig's triptych blackened metal screen/ room divider features sculptured resin birds in flight. These pieces can rotate allowing the collector to ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary English Modern United Kingdom - Home Accents
Materials
Metal
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 European Victorian United Kingdom - Home Accents
Materials
Brass
20th Century Louis Vuitton Wardrobe Trunk In Monogram Canvas, France c.1930
By Louis Vuitton
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 United Kingdom - Home Accents
Materials
Metal, Brass
20thC Louis Vuitton "Bell Air" Handbag In Monogram Canvas, Made In France c.1990
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A late 20th Century Louis Vuitton handbag crafted in monogram canvas with natural tan leather piping. Made in France around 1990, this Bel Air model features a leather handle and str...
Category
20th Century French Other United Kingdom - Home Accents
Materials
Brass
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 French Other United Kingdom - Home Accents
Materials
Brass
STUNNING PAIR OF ANTIQUE AUSTRIAN COLD PAINTED BRONZE ONYX DOG HOUNDS BOOKENDs
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this extremely collectable pair of 1920's cold painted bronze dog boo...
Category
1920s Art Deco Vintage United Kingdom - Home Accents
Materials
Onyx, Bronze
Circa 1900's, an Italian, Provincial Style, decorative Bird Cage
Located in London, Park Royal
1900's Italian Provincial Style Decorative Bird Cage with Yellow Stained Glass Windows. Crafted in Italy, this piece offers a blend of rustic charm and delicate artistry, suitable fo...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian French Provincial United Kingdom - Home Accents
Materials
Wire
Large Vintage Rigid Breakless Co., Steamer Trunk
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Large Vintage Rigid Breakless Co., Steamer Trunk
A very useful Strong travel trunk from the Breakless Co. it is lined in paper fabric
The Trunk is covered with Strong vulcanised fi...
Category
Late 19th Century Art Deco Antique United Kingdom - Home Accents
Materials
Synthetic
Goyard Steamer Trunk, circa 1915
By Goyard
Located in London, GB
Splendid steamer trunk by Goyard in their signature 'Goyardine' chevron pattern canvas covering with polished brass lock, catches & handles; circa 1915. The interior of this trunk ha...
Category
1910s French Vintage United Kingdom - Home Accents
Materials
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 French United Kingdom - Home Accents
Materials
Brass
20th Century Louis Vuitton Trunk in Damier Canvas, Paris, C.1900
By Louis Vuitton
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. Dating to around 1900, it is a perfect example of such trunks. With its leather trim, brass studs, fittings 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. This particular example has very unusual proportions, measuring 70cm in height but a narrower 90cm in width. Usually trunks with a height of 70cm have a width of 110cm, so quite possibly this trunk was a special order made for Mr or Mrs Waters. The lettering on both sides are original from the Louis Vuitton factory...
Category
20th Century French United Kingdom - Home Accents
Materials
Brass
Early 19th Century Chinese Export Eight-Fold Lacquer Screen
Located in Conwy, GB
The black lacquered timber panels decorated with a sprawling landscape, figures, temples, animals, pagodas and junks within a border of trailing vines...
Category
Early 19th Century English Antique United Kingdom - Home Accents
Materials
Wood
Pair of Tall Bamboo and Glass Bookcases, Room Dividers
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A Pair of Tall Bamboo and Glass Bookcases, Room Dividers
These are a pair of midcentury Age Darkened Bamboo Bookshelves, beautifully and sturdil...
Category
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage United Kingdom - Home Accents
Materials
Bamboo
A 20th Century Louis Vuitton Briefcase Finished In Black Epi Leather, France
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A lovely late 20th century Louis Vuitton briefcase finished in black Epi leather. The Louis Vuitton Epi Leather line is produced from strictly chosen cowhide leather. It was introduc...
Category
1990s French Other United Kingdom - Home Accents
Materials
Brass
Large 19th Century Camphor Wood Campaign 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 Campaign Antique United Kingdom - Home Accents
Materials
Brass, Other
Screen 100 Vintage 1960 Pinewood Tambour Room Divider by Alvar Aalto
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Markington, GB
Screen 100 vintage pinewood room divider by Alvar Aalto in very good condition.
The Screen 100 is a room divider designed by Alvar Aalto i...
Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern United Kingdom - Home Accents
Materials
Pine
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 United Kingdom - Home Accents
Materials
Brass
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 English Modern United Kingdom - Home Accents
Materials
Leather
Exemplary George II Carved Giltwood Firescreen in the Manner of William Kent
By William Kent
Located in Heathfield, GB
An extraordinary and beautiful firescreen made for a fire place of monumental size for a very wealthy patron.
Probably to a design by William Kent and made during in his lifetime.
...
Category
18th Century George II Antique United Kingdom - Home Accents
Materials
Tapestry, Giltwood
20th Century Italian Folding Mirror Screen 'Parma Series' Vivai Del Sud, c.1970
By Vivai del Sud
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Striking 20th Century Italian mirrored screen from the 'Parma' series, by Vivai del Sud bamboo. This exquisite screen consists of bamboo palm tree motif inlay on a 3-panel mirrored s...
Category
20th Century Italian United Kingdom - Home Accents
Materials
Bamboo, Mirror
Rolls Royce Comissioned Silver Spirit of Ecstasy Book Ends
By Saunders & Shepherd
Located in Northampton, GB
Marble Columns
From our Accessories collection, we are delighted to offer a very rare pair of Silver Spirit of Ecstasy Book Ends. The Book End mounts are carved from marble with dem...
Category
Early 20th Century English Art Deco United Kingdom - Home Accents
Materials
Marble, Sterling Silver
Pair Antique Elephant Bookends, Indian, Coromandel, Novel, Book Rest, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a pair of antique elephant bookends. An Indian, coromandel decorative novel or book rest, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900.
Offering charming character and d...
Category
Late 19th Century Indian Late Victorian Antique United Kingdom - Home Accents
Materials
Wood
Victorian Hand Embroidered Silk and Mahogany Fire Screen
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Victorian Hand embroidered silk and mahogany fire screen
This is a fine-looking piece, it is a large screen
The silk inset has been protected with glass so it is in original con...
Category
19th Century Adam Style Antique United Kingdom - Home Accents
Materials
Silk
Vintage Canvas and Leather Riding, Field Boots
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
Vintage Leather and Canvas Field Boots.
A wonderful pair of juniors or Ladies riding boots. The boots are made of stiff canvas with tan leather tri...
Category
20th Century English United Kingdom - Home Accents
Materials
Leather
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 United Kingdom - Home Accents
Materials
Leather, Canvas
19th Century 'Pierrot' Four-Fold Screen
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
A highly and unusual and unique French 19th Century four-fold screen telling the story of Pierrot's unrequited love for Columbine who as usual breaks his heart and runs off with Harl...
Category
1890s Antique United Kingdom - Home Accents
Materials
Canvas
Monumental Parisian Bird Cage Mansion
Located in Staffordshire, GB
Circa 1920
Monumental Parisian bird cage mansion
Architectural bird house based on a famous Paris Brothel
Sourced in Belgium
Measures: W117 x D51 x H90 cm.
Category
1910s French Vintage United Kingdom - Home Accents
Materials
Pine
19th Century Victorian Pair Of Brass Davy & Co Yacht Cabin Oil Lamps c.1890
By Davey & Co.
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique 19th Century Victorian pair of oil lamps by Davey & Co London Ltd. Made from brass and bevelled glass, with a faceted panel in the back to reflect the light, these lamps were...
Category
19th Century British Other Antique United Kingdom - Home Accents
Materials
Brass
6' Tall Vintage Room Divider, Japanese, 4 Fold Screen, Mid Century, Circa 1950
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a tall vintage room divider. A Japanese, 4 fold screen, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1950.
Usefully articulated screen with superb decorative appeal
Displays a des...
Category
Mid-20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern United Kingdom - Home Accents
Materials
Wood
FULLY RESTORED ANTIQUE FLAMED HARDWOOD GREEN LEATHER CHESTERFIELD LIBRARY STEPs
By Chesterfield
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely stunning, fully restored, hand made in England Flamed Mahogany & Green Leather, Chesterfield...
Category
19th Century English Victorian Antique United Kingdom - Home Accents
Materials
Leather, Hardwood
Screen 100 In Pinewood By Alvar Aalto & Artek Designed in Finland 1936
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Reading, Berkshire
The Artek 100 Screen was designed by Alvar Aalto with a natural aesthetic for various interiors requiring privacy and separation within a room. Its lightweight design can be utilised...
Category
20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern United Kingdom - Home Accents
Materials
Pine
Burr Walnut Brown Leather Regency Metamorphic Reading Armchair to Library Steps
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this pair of large and collectable Regency style metamorphic armchair which converts into Library steps after the original 18th century design by Gillows of Lancaster with Burr Walnut panels
A very good looking and well made pair, I have never seen a Regency style piece with Burr Walnut panels before, the leather seat pads have been restored by my leather polishers, they have been hand dyed six times, antiqued and sealed
The period 1800-1825 was a great one for ‘patent’ or ‘metamorphic’ furniture This chair, which transforms into a short set of steps for use with bookshelves, is close to a design for a ‘Library Chair’ published in Rudolph Ackermann’s Repository of the Arts in July 1811, which was made by the London firm of Morgan and Saunders, of Catherine Street, Strand.
They were well known for their ingenious furniture, including reading chairs with writing surfaces attached and a great variety of travelling beds...
Category
18th Century English Regency Antique United Kingdom - Home Accents
Materials
Leather, Walnut
Damascan Inlay Screen Room Divider Arabic 1930s
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Gorgeous Damascan inlay three panel screen or room divider
Featuring intricate inlay work with mother of pearl and other arabesques
Great interiors piece and we date this work of art...
Category
1930s Vintage United Kingdom - Home Accents
Materials
Wood
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 European George III Antique United Kingdom - Home Accents
Materials
Pine
Antique Master Shipwright's Chest, English, Mahogany, Tool Trunk, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique master shipwright's chest. An English, ebonized mahogany tool trunk with ornate interior, dating to the Victorian period, circa 1880.
...
Category
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique United Kingdom - Home Accents
Materials
Mahogany
1920s Italian Room Divider/Screen
Located in London, GB
A fine carved early 20th century Italian hardwood room divider. The four panel screen features distinctly carved leaves in distressed soft green paint.
Dimensions: W:200cm H: 183cm ...
Category
1920s Italian Vintage United Kingdom - Home Accents
Materials
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 United Kingdom - Home Accents
Materials
Leather
Pair of 20th Century Italian Room Divider Panels
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
A stylish pair of 20th Century Italian brass room divider panels.
In the Brutalist style. Standing on small cylindrical legs.
Circa 1975.
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Brutalist United Kingdom - Home Accents
Materials
Brass
20th Century Louis Vuitton Suitcase In Natural Cow Hide, France c.1910
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 utilising 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 United Kingdom - Home Accents
Materials
Brass
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 United Kingdom - Home Accents
Materials
Zinc
Vintage Asprey & Co Leather And Gilt Bookends Modelled As Open Books
By Asprey International Limited
Located in Norwich, GB
Vintage Asprey & Co leather-covered book design bookends with gilt tooled decoration and silk bases. Modelled as opened books. Maker's stamps: Asprey & Co London. Circa 1970.
The le...
Category
1970s British Vintage United Kingdom - Home Accents
Materials
Leather
Hand-Crafted Sculptural Room Divider, Colourful, by Margit Wittig
By Margit Wittig
Located in London, GB
Margit Wittig's triptych blackened metal screen/ room divider features hand-crafted sculptural elements. These pieces can rotate allowing the collector to create varying levels of op...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary English Modern United Kingdom - Home Accents
Materials
Metal
A large 30 inch W. & . A. K. Johnston library globe
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A large 30 inch W. & . A. K. Johnston library globe, supported by an unusual pitch pine stand with a brass meridian ring, all on four turned flange and baluster legs joined by matchi...
Category
20th Century English United Kingdom - Home Accents
Materials
Brass
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 United Kingdom - Home Accents
Materials
Steel
Stunning circa 1900 Antique Original Paint Romanian Blanket Chest Coffer Trunk
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning, circa 1900 hand painted Romanian clothes trunk or marriage coffer chest.
I have recently purchased a very large collection of these original, antique painted wardrobes...
Category
Early 1900s European Late Victorian Antique United Kingdom - Home Accents
Materials
Pine
circa 1900 Original Paint Romanian Blanket Chest Coffer Trunk Children Pictures
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning, circa 1900 hand painted Romanian clothes trunk or marriage coffer chest depicting Children's portraits and floral paintings
I have recently purchased a very large collection of these original, antique painted wardrobes...
Category
Early 1900s European High Victorian Antique United Kingdom - Home Accents
Materials
Pine
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 United Kingdom - Home Accents
Materials
Brass
