Late 1800s Original Louis Vuitton Trunk - STRIPED

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Hey Folks: I will leave all the info and have lowered the reserve a little to make up for your shipping costs but I assure you I am MUCH lower than any of the other LV's. THANKS! This Louis Vuitton striped steamer trunk, c.1876-1889 is one of his earliest designs created at the beginning of the luxury luggage era. Vuitton opened his first store in Paris on Rue Nueve in 1854. In 1867 he entered the Universal Exhibition at the World's Fair in Paris, winning the bronze medal. In 1872 he created the striped canvas and in 1885 the first Louis Vuitton store opened in London. In 1893 he displayed his products at the World's Fair in Chicago. This unrestored trunk has been in our family for 20 years. It was purchased by my spouse in the early 1990's at an estate sale in Santa Ynez, California. It was purchased for the leather horse tack stored in the trunk. Only after bringing the trunk home and unloading it was the Louis Vuitton Label revealed. The empty trunk became a coffee table. After a move to Tennessee, the trunk became storage for antique quilts. This sound trunk measurers 20 3/4" D X 36" W X 23" H. It has brass hardware, leather trim and beechwood slates. The beige and brown stripes are most defined on the back of the trunk. Pictures 7 & 8 is out of The History of Louis Vuitton and tells about the label which dates the trunk. The zinc bottom was a custom feature for its superior protection against water and pest damage during the golden age of ocean travel. I have spent hours and hours researching this trunk so that every detail I give you is correct. Take a good look at the pictures and the label. Someone put a brace board in the lid before we acquired it but that is the only thing that in any way alters its original form. Overall it is a very sound trunk. Actually, it looks a lot better then I would if I was 120 years old. TOP - 3 corners are in good condition - only 1 has wood damage - No missing rivets. Beechwood slates are in good condition. Canvas has tears and is obviously faded. The leather around top is in fair condition for its age. The front top is the only place the leather is missing the brass brads. Second row of leather is in better shape and has NO missing brads. Corner leather (where it takes the most abuse) is fair, 2 of the 4 corners are torn 1/2 " to 1". Brass handles and front lock plates are in original condition. It appears to have water rings which were there when we bought it - my husband has never let me attempt to clean them. Interior is all original! There appears to be 3 missing rivets on the interior lid satin stripes. The ivory satin is stained but all original with minimal tears. You can see the indention of the signature ribbons but most are missing. The bottom is in amazing shape with all the original wood and casters. See close up of LABEL - Louis Vuitton, 1 Rue Scribe, Paris - 454 Strand, London. This trunk is a rare example of a Louis Vuitton piece made for the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. The magnificent label includes the Louis Vuitton store address in Paris and London. The medallions depict World Fairs where Louis Vuitton exhibited and won medals. The last line translates like this - 1st part - Gold medal won in Paris 1889 & the 2nd part - Let us honor Chicago. It is my belief that this trunk was made exclusively to be shown at Chicago to introduce the company to a world wide market. Thank you very much for sharing this bit of Louis Vuitton history. If you have any questions or would like to see additional pictures please let me know. Donna Thriftique Treasurers On Shipping - There are a few options that we will work out. I will help get it to wherever you decide is the most economical and you will pay only what it costs. THANKS read more

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