Wood Steamer Trunk
Vintage 1920s French Trunks and Luggage
Brass
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Brass
Antique Mid-19th Century English Victorian Coffee and Cocktail Tables
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Vintage 1910s French Art Deco Trunks and Luggage
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Early 20th Century French Trunks and Luggage
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Early 20th Century French Trunks and Luggage
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Early 20th Century French Trunks and Luggage
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Wood Steamer Trunk For Sale on 1stDibs
Finding the Right Trunks-luggage for You
Add a charming piece of travel history to your space. Antique and vintage trunks and luggage can make a statement as decorative accents and practical furnishings in nearly every room of your home.
There have been many types of trunks and luggage over the years, with availability of these wares broadening as train travel expanded during the 19th century. Antique steamer trunks — named for their use on steamships — mostly date from around 1880 to 1920. These pieces of luggage fit a steamship’s luggage size regulations and essentially doubled as wardrobes, ensuring that a traveler’s evening dresses and suits were kept wrinkle-free on a journey from city to city.
In 1858, French luxury brand Louis Vuitton introduced the world to the now-iconic Louis Vuitton trunks. During this early period of railroad travel, Louis Vuitton trunks solved common travel problems. Instead of the traditional round shape, these handcrafted rectangular trunks stored better on trains. To discourage burglars, the French craftsman and his son, Georges, also eventually patented a revolutionary sophisticated lock for the trunks. The famous LV monogram was first used in 1896 as part of an initiative by Georges to prevent counterfeiting of his coveted travel trunks.
Even if no longer used for travel, the vintage luggage is a popular item among collectors for its historical value and charm. At home, an old wood trunk is a durable storage solution as much as it is a versatile surface. It’s a coffee table in the living room of your farmhouse-style home or rustic loft apartment and a nightstand or blanket chest at the foot of your bed in your bedroom.
From Victorian trunks to Art Deco traveling jewelry cases, journey through history today with an extensive collection of antique trunk suitcases and vintage luggage on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022To identify your steamer trunk, look inside the lid, along the interior and on the bottom for a stamp that indicates the manufacturer. Popular makers of steamer trunks included Clinton, Goyard, Hartmann, Louis Vuitton, Malloy, Moynat, Oshkosh, Taylor and Truesdale. On 1stDibs, find a variety of expertly vetted steamer trunks.
- What are steamer trunks worth?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021Steamer trunks can be worth as much as $3,000 depending on the quality and condition. Some renowned fashion houses, such as Goyard and Louis Vuitton, have designed steamer trunks that are worth as much as $45,000. Find a range of antique and vintage steamer trunks on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023You can line a steamer trunk with a variety of materials. Paper is a simple solution for lining, but you can also use fabrics like velvet to protect items stored inside. Find a range of steamer trunks from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.
- What is an old steamer trunk?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022An old steamer trunk is a type of luggage. Most often, it has a rectangle or domed shape. Its purpose was to carry clothing and other personal belongings while traveling. The name comes from the fact that most often, their owners traveled via steam ship. Shop a selection of antique steamer trunks on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Although steamer trunks are no longer used for traveling, they are still produced as a way to store valuables and as a storage solution. Steamer trunks were widely used in the late 18th century throughout the early 20th century as a way to transport clothes and other personal belongings and were meant to bridge the gap between luggage and storage. Shop a wide range of vintage and contemporary steamer trunks on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 17, 2023No, typically people don't travel with steamer trunks. Due to their size and weight, steamer trunks aren't ideal for traveling by air or sea. However, people still purchase steamer trunks to use as storage solutions and decorative accents in their homes. Shop a selection of antique and vintage steamer trunks on 1stDibs.
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