Louis Vuitton courier trunk in orange Vuittonite canvas, France, circa 1905
Louis Vuitton courier trunk in orange Vuittonite canvas, France, circa 1905
A rare early 20th century courier trunk by Louis Vuitton, covered in distinctive orange Vuittonite canvas. Produced at a time when the house was experimenting with alternative waterproof materials, Vuittonite offered durability and resistance to the rigours of long distance travel while providing a bold visual identity. The trunk features reinforced wooden edges, leather trim, and brass hardware, with a flat lid suited to stacking and transport. Designed for professional couriers and frequent travellers, the form combines robust construction with the refined detailing that established Vuitton’s reputation in the early years of modern travel.
Louis Vuitton was founded in Paris in 1854 by Louis Vuitton, who began his career as a layetier-packeur, expertly packing and crafting bespoke trunks for Paris’s elite. At a time when travel was becoming increasingly common thanks to railways and steamships, Vuitton revolutionised luggage design by introducing flat-topped trunks that could be easily stacked, an innovation that quickly set his work apart from the domed chests then in use. His trunks were prized for their practicality, durability, and refined craftsmanship, establishing the house as a leader in luxury travel goods.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, under the direction of Louis Vuitton’s son Georges Vuitton, the brand expanded internationally and strengthened its identity through innovation and branding. Materials such as Trianon canvas, Damier, and later Vuittonite and Monogram canvas were developed to combat counterfeiting while offering lightweight, waterproof alternatives to leather. Louis Vuitton trunks became synonymous with the golden age of travel, used by explorers, couriers, and high-society travellers alike. Today, early examples such as courier and Vuittonite trunks are valued not only for their craftsmanship but also as historical objects that reflect the evolution of modern travel and luxury design.
Condition: overall good vintage condition with visible surface wear, scuffs, and losses to the canvas consistent with age and extensive use. The leather trim shows wear and patination, and the brass fittings display oxidation. Please refer to photographs
Dimensions: 91cm wide, 50cm high, 52cm deep
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REFERENCE: L2556