High-end travel trunks from Louis Vuitton are gaining popularity.
In a series of recent auctions, several vintage Louis Vuitton trunks have fetched impressive sums, highlighting the enduring appeal and value of these historic pieces.
The highest-selling item was a Louis Vuitton wardrobe steamer trunk from the 1920s or earlier, which was sold for an impressive £130,000 in June. The unique sales number 748929 adorned the trunk, although it was missing the paper label and most internal fittings. Despite these missing components, the surviving central catch was engraved with the Louis Vuitton name, Champs Elysée, and the original London address of the company, 149 New Bond Street. The trunk was also covered in zinc, copper, brass, or aluminium to withstand tropical climates, adding to its historical significance.
The June auction also saw the sale of another early 20th century Louis Vuitton Explorer trunk with the sales number 42316. This trunk carried an estimate of £20,000-30,000 but attracted 11 bidders, with the successful buyer attending the sale in person.
In July, another Louis Vuitton Explorer trunk was sold for £72,000 at the same auctioneer. This trunk, carrying the sales number 30539, exceeded its estimate of £4,000-6,000. Interestingly, the label on this trunk featured the original Oxford Street address, which was crossed out and replaced with the address for the company's new location in The Strand.
The move of Louis Vuitton's London address from Oxford Street to The Strand occurred in 1889. The trunk sold in July was later than the June-sold trunk and appears to have old labels from the Oxford Street address.
John Nicholson, the auctioneer, stated that they have established a reputation as the saleroom of choice for Louis Vuitton pieces. Further consignments of Louis Vuitton luggage are on the way for sale, including a Courier trunk dating to c.1885-90 with an estimate of £6,000-8,000.
The Louis Vuitton Courier trunk, with its beige and brown stripes, reinforced with wooden battens and brass catches, and a detailed provenance that includes a voyage to South Africa during the Boer War in 1900, is estimated to be worth approximately A$32,669 (about 23,000 USD). This price reflects its status as a rare vintage collectible, often fetching tens of thousands of dollars due to its historical value, craftsmanship, and brand prestige.
The specific details of the upcoming autumn sale, such as the exact date, have not been specified. However, the auctioneer has received additional enquiries for Louis Vuitton luggage consignments, suggesting that the demand for these historic pieces remains strong.
[1] https://www.pamono.com/louis-vuitton-courier-trunk-1885-striped-canvas-73448 [2] https://www.artnet.com/art-market/auctions/louis-vuitton-trunk-sells-for-345-000-at-christies-4814668 [5] https://www.christies.com/features/The-Louis-Vuitton-Trunk-8571-3.aspx
- The Louis Vuitton Courier trunk, a vintage collectible from the late 19th century, is not only a testament to the brand's enduring prestige but also a valuable addition to any home-and-garden or lifestyle collection.
- The fashion-and-beauty industry is not the only sector where Louis Vuitton's historical pieces are highly sought-after; their unique and rare pieces, such as trunks, are also significant investments for collectors of antique home-and-garden items.
