Antiquario Trunks and Luggage

At 13 ½ inches tall and 24 inches wide, this small Italian wood cassone makes an intriguing and versatile storage piece. Hand-carved in walnut during the 1600s, the charming chest ha...

Originally used in the 1920's to carry goods for a traveling salesman, this small scale French wooden traveling trunk is covered in black leather a...

A 19th century Buddhist Manuscript Chest - Trunk. Antique Burmese Sadaik Chest of the Mandalay Period. Once used to hold Buddhist texts and the likes of devotional practice. Wonderfully decorated Gilt over black with Buddhist scenes of teaching, followers, temples, and elephant on one side. Teak hard wood top lifts off the chest for storage. Can be used as blanket chest, bedside, table with storage, stand for display or collection. An beautiful antique decorative chest...

French, 20th century. A Louis Vuitton suitcase with a monogram canvas exterior, leather and brass-bound (all rivets and hardware are marked), opens to fitted interior with removable ...

This is a handsome 18th century Continental trunk. This one is smaller in size. Some repairs are evident. The right side handle is not original. Warm...

Pair of authentic Louis Vuitton luggage pieces. Individually numbered, pair of brass numbered keys included with both pieces. Can be moun...

Explore the elegance and historical charm of this 1900s French Wooden Trunk, a quintessential piece from the turn of the century that combines func...

A superb example of early 20th-century French travel craftsmanship, this handsome black leather-clad trunk features a robust wooden structure reinforced with brass and iron hardware....

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...

A very good quality 19th century parquetry and marquetry side table. Having floral inlaid decoration to the top and under-tier. The top hinges open to reveal a compartmented interior...

Trunks and storage chests were the most ubiquitous form of household storage throughout the Ming and Qing dynasties. Used to store clothes, linens, kitchen utensils, and other miscel...

909481 Alzer 80 80 cm x 26 cm 52.5 cm with removable tray Louis Vuitton suitcase, Alzer 80 with removable tray, in wonderful, well-kept condition with origin...