Steel Trunks and Luggage

Antique rosewood French wedding chest made as a fancy and expensive gift for the bride. The rosewood chest has gilt bronze stringing and Boulle style inlay of mother-of-pearl and bro...

17th Century French Coffer, Oak Silver Treasure Chest, Strong Box A Very Rare piece, this Oak Coffer was made in the 16th Century in 3” thick Oak, lined inside and strengthened thro...

This polished aluminium cabin trunk is very unusual. It is magnificent and mirror polished. Golden brass studs. Leather handles. Its interior still has been relined in black velvet...

Selection of French Art Deco Steamer Trunks, France, circa 1930s. They are a versatile size and can be used as side tables or coffee tables. They are pric...

A 20th Century Louis Vuitton steamer travel bag, crafted from monogram canvas and natural tan leather, serves as a quintessential representation of the brand's unwavering commitment to a design seamlessly harmonising style and utility. Inspired by the practical proportions of mailbags from the Americas, these bags effortlessly combine chic aesthetics with practical functionality—whether hung on a cabin door, displayed on a deck, or utilised for a spontaneous weekend getaway. The monogram canvas, adorned with iconic LV initials and floral motifs, stands out not only for its recognisability but also for its exceptional durability. Teamed with natural tan leather, this pairing gracefully matures, developing a lavish patina over time that enhances the bag's inherent character. The enduring design underscores Louis Vuitton's timeless allure, elevating these pieces to coveted collector's items that encapsulate the brand's storied history and commitment to impeccable craftsmanship. 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 industrialisation 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...

Original blue painted dome top oak trunk from Sweden with traditional hand-painted details include floral motif along top and front. Monogram of KND and date "1804" indicate this tru...

This is an elegant antique Wardrobe Steamer Trunk, circa 1930 in date. It features leather monogramed W. B. D and various Cunard White Star stickers, fitted hanger section to one ...

A petite Swedish pine marriage trunk with its original paint. The exterior is painted blue with floral designs and monogrammed G E D 1835. Forged iron bindings enforce the constructi...

This gorgeous antique wooden wedding trunk from Michoacán Mexico dates to the early 1900s. A stunning two-piece set, it consists of the trunk and the base upon which it rests. Wit...

A beautiful, classic 19th century English carved oak storage trunk or coffer. Incised decorative carved patterns in the front. It could be used as a coffee table, at the foot of a be...

Original blue painted dome top oak trunk from Sweden with traditional hand-painted details include floral motif along top and front. Monogram of HPD and date "1828" indicate this tru...

Louis Vuitton Boite Flacons Monogram vanity travel case - A vintage Louis Vuitton Beauty Case in monogram canvas with brass hardware and re...