PAIR OF GRADUATED 20thC LOUIS VUITTON TRUNKS IN MONOGRAM CANVAS, FRANCE c.1930

DESCRIPTION

A wonderful graduated pair of early 20th century Louis Vuitton trunk in the world famous monogrammed LV canvas. Complete with all its interior trays on the larger of the two trunks, these trunks are in very good condition and hark back to times of passenger ships and 1st class travel of bygone eras. What distinguishes this pair from the rest is the fact that they were born together. Purchased from the store by the owner at the same time who specifically requested stackable trunks, the sequential serial numbers (748711 and 748712) are testimony to this fact and such a rare find. They also offer a variety of interior design solutions as they can be stacked safely or set in different parts of the house or room. They make wonderful conversation pieces that would make a welcome addition to any home, both modern or traditional.

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 away at the age of 70. His son, Georges Vuitton, became the new head of the luxury house. Louis Vuitton’s passing would prompt his son to once again change the print of their luggage, and in 1896, to honour his father, the signature LV monogram was introduced and patterned with LVs, quatrefoils, and flowers. Under his direction success followed and the iconic monogram rose to fame among elite clientele.

PS. the trunks can be sold separately although we strongly encourage that they are kept together. After nearly 100 years together it would be a shame to split them up.

CONDITION

In Good Condition - wear as expected, (please refer to photographs).

SIZE

SIZE (smaller trunk)
Width: 80cm
Height: 33cm
Depth: 47cm

SIZE (bigger trunk)
Width: 80cm
Height: 47cm
Depth: 47cm