Antique Louis Vuitton Double Wardrobe Trunk Monogram Steamer Malle Armoire
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Height: 43.31 in (110 cm)Width: 21.66 in (55 cm)Depth: 21.66 in (55 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU3488221704732
Louis Vuitton
The story behind iconic luxury brand Louis Vuitton — best known for its esteemed handbags, crossbody bags, leather goods, ready-to-wear clothing and more — is one of craft and innovation in the worlds of fashion, jewelry and furniture.
The company’s modest origins can be traced back to when its founder, Louis Vuitton (1821–92), wishing to free himself from the conventional lifestyle in his provincial French city of Anchay as well as a difficult stepmother, left in the early 1830s to make a new life in Paris. The young Vuitton was 13 at the time and would need to travel on foot to get to the capital, which was hundreds of miles away. With stops along the way to make money so that he could forge ahead, the journey took a couple of years, but reward was close at hand.
When he arrived in Paris, Vuitton made a living with his hands. He toiled as a box maker and packer for more than a decade and built relationships with royals and members of the upper class while working for the empress of France, Eugenie de Montijo. In 1854, Vuitton launched his namesake company. The craftsman opened a humble workshop on rue Neuve des Capucines and advertised his services with a small poster that read: “Securely packs the most fragile objects. Specializing in packing fashions.”
Long before his brand would become known globally for its exemplary top-handle bags and stylish totes, Vuitton produced stackable and rectangular trunks. The most common trunks of the era were round, which weren’t ideal for toting and storing. In 1858, Vuitton debuted his lightweight, handcrafted canvas trunks, which were sturdy, rugged and equipped with convenient compartments. Travel’s popularity broadened in the late 19th century, and Vuitton’s trunks could easily be packed into train cars and ships — upright trunks meant hanging wardrobe storage that would allow his clients to transport their sophisticated garments without worry. Demand increased and the company grew. When Louis Vuitton died in 1892, control of the luxury house was passed onto his only son, Georges Vuitton.
In 1914, a Louis Vuitton store opened at 70 Champs-Élysées. The largest travel-goods store in the world at the time, it became the company’s flagship.
The Louis Vuitton brand embodies all the attributes of luxury, from the craftsmanship, exclusivity and relevance to heritage. It’s only appropriate that it boasts one of the most recognizable insignias — the imaginative interlocking of letters and fleurettes — in the fashion world. The famous LV monogram was first used in 1896 as part of an initiative by Georges to prevent counterfeiting of his coveted new line of travel trunks. It’s one of the earliest examples of fashion branding.
The LV monogram would soon appear on everything from bags and various fashion accessories to alligator-skin champagne cases, from stylish apparel and earrings to teddy bears and airplane models.
On 1stDibs, the unmistakable insignia can be found on both modern and vintage Louis Vuitton shoulder bags, suitcases, original 19th-century trunks, jackets and more.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: London, United Kingdom
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 2 days of delivery.
- 1880s Louis Vuitton Courier Trunk in Damier CanvasBy Louis VuittonLocated in London, GBDiscover the epitome of timeless luxury with this exquisite Louis Vuitton Courier Trunk, a rare gem from the 1880s that embodies the heritage and exquisite craftsmanship of the iconi...Category
1880s French Suitcases and Trunks
- Louis Vuitton Rare "Aero" TrunkBy Louis VuittonLocated in London, GBFor sale a highly collectible and rare antique Louis Vuitton "Aero" trunk, dating back to the 1920s. This exquisite piece is part of the lightweight series of Louis Vuitton trunks, as prominently featured in the renowned "100 Legendary Trunks" book. It stands out as a testament to the brand's history of innovation and luxury. The "Aero" trunk showcases the iconic LV monogram canvas, a timeless design that has become synonymous with the Louis Vuitton legacy...Category
Early 20th Century French Suitcases and Trunks
- 1910s Louis Vuitton Monogram Courier Steamer TrunkBy Louis VuittonLocated in London, GBStep back in time and immerse yourself in the luxury and elegance of the early 20th century with this stunning 1910s Louis Vuitton Trunk. This exquisite piece is a testament to the t...Category
1910s French Suitcases and Trunks
- 1880s Louis Vuitton Damier Canvas Courier TrunkBy Louis VuittonLocated in London, GBLouis Vuitton Courier Trunk, a testament to the lavish journey of luxury travel dating back to the 1880s. This exceptional piece is meticulously crafted in the iconic Damier canvas, ...Category
1880s French Suitcases and Trunks
- 1920 Louis Vuitton Cowhide Leather Hatbox TrunkBy Louis VuittonLocated in London, GBImmerse yourself in the unmatched elegance and timeless allure of the Roaring Twenties with this exquisite 1920s Louis Vuitton Custom Hatbox. A rare find for collectors and connoisse...Category
1920s French Suitcases and Trunks
- 1920s Louis Vuitton Leather Case With Royal Provenance and Genuine CoverBy Louis VuittonLocated in London, GBStep into a realm of regal luxury and timeless elegance with this unparalleled Louis Vuitton cowhide leather case/trunk, a remarkable treasure from the 1920s that stands as a testame...Category
1920s French Suitcases and Trunks
- Hermés Herbag Zip Retourne Ebene Vache Leather Etoupe Canvas GMBy HermèsLocated in London, GBA chic and stylish Hermes Herbag Zip. The exterior of this Herbag features a top handle with a crossbody strap in Ebene Vache Hunter leather on the top section whereas the body of th...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Novelty Bags
- Louis Vuitton Courier Vintage TrunkBy Louis VuittonLocated in Water Mill, NYLouis Vuitton Courier Vintage 44" Trunk with Leather Handels and KeysCategory
1950s French Contemporary Suitcases and Trunks
- Chanel 2005 Vintage Black CC Nylon Sport Mesh Large Gym Travel Duffle BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel 2005 Vintage Black CC Nylon Sport Mesh Large Gym Travel Duffle Bag Rubber CC Logo at front Nylon body with rubber trim Front exterior zip pockets Rolled handles Detachable s...Category
Early 2000s Italian Duffel Bags and Carry-On Bags
- Chanel XL Classic Flap Weekend Overnight Business Travel Vintage Carry On BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel XL Classic Flap Weekend Overnight Business Travel Vintage Carry On Bag Gold hardware black caviar leather two leather and chain-link shoul...Category
1990s Italian Duffel Bags and Carry-On Bags
- Chanel Vintage Green Nylon Quilted Coco Cocoon Bowler Carry On Travel Tote BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Vintage Green Nylon Quilted Coco Cocoon Bowler Tote Bag Diamond quilted nylon in green Facing green leather-trimmed zipper pocket with a Chanel ...Category
2010s Italian Tote Bags
- Chanel CC Sport Line Duffle Travel BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLCHANEL CC Sport Line Duffle Travel Bag Year: 2001 {VINTAGE 21 Years} Black nylon Dual flat canvas shoulder straps Logo embroidery Dual rolled handles ...Category
Early 2000s Italian Duffel Bags and Carry-On Bags
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
How to Spot a Fake Louis Vuitton
What are the telltale signs that you're holding a real Louis Vuitton and not a knockoff? We spoke with expert Diane D’Amato to find out. Of course, you don't have to worry about fakes on 1stDibs, where every seller is highly vetted.
Inside Louis Vuitton’s Most Popular Handbag Collaborations
The venerable brand has earned accolades (and gained new fans) for partnerships that meld fashion with art.