A Louis Vuitton hat trunk in woven monogram canvas, France, circa 1896
A Louis Vuitton hat trunk in woven monogram canvas, France, circa 1896
A stunning Louis Vuitton hat trunk in woven monogram canvas with leather and brass trim, France, circa 1896. This exceptional piece is a true collector’s item, representing one of the earliest examples of the iconic LV monogram. The woven canvas was the very first version of Louis Vuitton’s signature pattern, produced only for a short period at the end of the 19th century before being replaced by the printed iterations that followed. Its brass fittings were considered the finest available from Louis Vuitton at the time, reflecting the brand’s commitment to quality and innovation.
A quintessential piece of luxury travel history, this trunk evokes the elegance of the golden age of voyaging — a time of grand passenger ships and first-class adventures. Today, it makes for a striking conversation piece and can be repurposed as a unique coffee or side table, bringing a touch of timeless sophistication to both modern and traditional interiors alike.
Louis Vuitton was born in 1821 in eastern France to a working-class family of farmers and milliners. At just 16, he walked nearly 300 miles to Paris to start a new life. There, during a time of industrial and travel expansion, he apprenticed with a renowned box maker, Monsieur Maréchal, learning the art of crafting durable, elegant travel cases.
In 1854, Vuitton opened his own workshop on Rue Neuve des Capucines, marking the beginning of his legacy. Four years later, he revolutionized luggage design with his flat-topped, waterproof trunk—practical, stackable, and unlike the rounded models of the time. His early grey “Trianon” canvas soon evolved into striped and checkered designs, both beautiful and intended to deter counterfeits. In 1886, his son Georges patented an unpickable lock still used today, and in 1896 introduced the now-iconic LV monogram in honour of his father. By the turn of the century, Louis Vuitton had become synonymous with innovation, craftsmanship, and prestige. A legacy that continues to define luxury travel.
Condition: overall good vintage condition, some damage and imperfections commensurate with age. Please refer to photographs
Dimensions: 52cm high, 76cm wide, 44cm deep
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REFERENCE: E2569