A rare and highly evocative early 20th-century Louis Vuitton fitted leather travelling case, retaining its original brass hardware, leather handle and richly appointed yellow silk-lined interior. The case bears an engraved brass plaque inscribed: "Marquis de Chasseloup-Laubat – Paris – London – Jockey Club – To French Embassy", and is reputedly from the same ownership as a special-order Louis Vuitton Damier trunk bearing an aristocratic coronet and the initials LCL, strongly suggesting an association with the distinguished French noble family of Chasseloup-Laubat.

Crafted in Vuitton's luxurious natural leather, now displaying a beautifully developed honey-brown patina acquired through decades of travel and use, the case exemplifies the exceptional quality and craftsmanship for which Louis Vuitton became the luggage maker of choice amongst European aristocracy, diplomats and society figures during the Belle Époque and early 20th century. The brass lock and catches, reinforced corners and substantial leather handle are all characteristic of Vuitton's bespoke travel pieces, designed to withstand the demands of international travel whilst embodying the utmost refinement and elegance.

The interior is particularly striking, lined throughout in vibrant yellow silk and retaining its original maker's label. The fitted construction suggests that the case was commissioned for a specific purpose, perhaps for jewellery, documents, personal effects or diplomatic accessories, and its remarkable state of preservation considerably enhances its desirability.

The engraved plaque is especially intriguing. The Chasseloup-Laubat family was one of France's most eminent aristocratic dynasties, producing statesmen, military figures and notable members of high society. The references to Paris, the London Jockey Club and the French Embassy evoke the rarefied world of Edwardian diplomacy and aristocratic travel between the great capitals of Europe. The discovery of a related Louis Vuitton special-order trunk bearing the initials LCL and an aristocratic coronet lends considerable weight to the tradition that this case formed part of a larger suite of luggage commissioned for a member of the Chasseloup-Laubat family.

Combining the enduring appeal of Louis Vuitton with noble provenance and an unusually compelling historical narrative, this is far more than a simple travelling case. It is an atmospheric survival from the golden age of luxury travel, offering a tangible connection to the cosmopolitan world of European aristocracy and one of France's most distinguished noble families.

Provenance: Reputedly from the luggage suite of the Marquis de Chasseloup-Laubat family, accompanied by a related special-order Louis Vuitton Damier trunk bearing an aristocratic coronet and the initials LCL.

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 industrialisation 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: overall good antique condition with wear, scuffs and marks consistent with age and extensive use. The leather shows areas of rubbing but very good patina, the interior displays very minor age-related wear, lacking tray. Please refer to photographs

Dimensions: 25cm high, 62cm wide, 40cm deep