Louis Vuitton Travel Trunk in Damier Canvas, Wooden Slats and Brass Fittings, Circa 1890

This travel trunk is covered in the famous coated Damier canvas, introduced by Louis Vuitton in 1888 to counter the counterfeits of his striped canvas. The case and the slightly domed lid are reinforced with bent wooden slats fixed by brass nails, the edges being protected by lozined borders and metal corners. The front retains its central lock and its two brass hasp clasps; lateral handles ease carrying.

Maison Louis Vuitton, founded in 1854, revolutionised the art of travel with its flat stackable trunks; the Damier canvas examples of the years 1888-1896, predating the Monogram canvas, rank among the most sought after by collectors of antique trunks.

Condition report: Condition of use consistent with age: Damier canvas presenting wear, rubbing and a few localised losses, patinated slats and fittings, natural oxidation of the brass — so many testimonies of a life of travel that make the charm of these trunks. A collector's piece full of history, superb at the foot of a bed or as a characterful coffee table.