ANTIQUE 20thC RARE LOUIS VUITTON COW-HIDE STEAMER TRUNK c.1900

DESCRIPTION

A very rare early-2Oth Century steamer trunk by Louis Vuitton, 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 to take pride in using only the best hides in order to cover the trunks in a single sheet so as not to show any seems. Many have not stood the test of time, leather needs to be treated every few years otherwise it dries and disintegrates but this example still shows the suppleness it had the day it left the shop.

These are part of a range of “speciality materials” used by Vuitton, the materials including (but not limited to) zinc, copper, crocodile leather and cow leather. What makes this trunk particularly appealing is his use of contrasting metals for the hardware with brass catches and lock plates and copper hallmarked studs, a trademark only found on leather special order trunks.
Lock serial number:  024673, serial number: 111920

CONDITION

Good condition, no crazing, supple leather, just some staining on the leather consistent with age and use

SIZE

Height:  57cm
Width:  110cm
Depth:  57cm