A Louis Vuitton "malle haute" in orange Vuittonite canvas, France, circa 1900
A Louis Vuitton "malle haute" in orange Vuittonite canvas, France, circa 1900
A very rare Louis Vuitton “high trunk” trunk (from French “Malle Haute”), circa 1900's, features orange “Vuittonite“ canvas, all brass hardware, and leather trims. It is rare to find these trunks in as good condition as this one. Trunks in this type of finish are rarer than its monogrammed brothers. It is a stain and water resistant canvas that was used on Vuitton’s trunks from the turn of the century to 1920‘s. Trunks covered with orange Vuittonite canvas are nowadays rather rare and therefore appreciated by collectors. Standing at a massive 70cm in height, its generous proportions gave the owner the ability to travel with an abundance of possessions. Today they make for excellent storage solutions as well as being a statement piece in any interior, both modern or traditional. A truly wonderful collector’s piece.
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 industrialization 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 away at the age of 70. His son, Georges Vuitton, became the new head of the luxury house. Louis Vuitton’s passing would prompt his son to once again change the print of their luggage, and in 1896, to honour his father, the signature LV monogram was introduced and patterned with LVs, quatrefoils, and flowers. Under his direction success followed and the iconic monogram rose to fame among elite clientele.
Condition: very good overall condition, stain to the quilted inside lid (please refer to photographs)
Dimensions: 111cm wide, 71cm high, 62cm deep.
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REFERENCE: E2247d