1910s Louis Vuitton Antique Motor Trunk · Black Canvas Brass Hardware · Early Automotive Bespoke Luggage · Museum-Grade Collector Artifact

This is not “vintage.”
This is pre-war Louis Vuitton — a surviving artifact from the first generation of automobiles when motoring was a privilege of royalty, aristocrats, diplomats, and industrial magnates.

Crafted in the 1910s, this Motor Trunk represents the era when Louis Vuitton produced bespoke, coach-built luggage tailored to early automobiles. Each trunk was made one by one, in collaboration with French carrosseries, following the dimensions of specific car models. Very few survive today, as most were destroyed during war, repurposed, or lost to time.

This piece carries the DNA of GOYARD, Moynat, and Hermès’s early leather ateliers, when luxury luggage construction was entirely artisanal — wood frames, brass protection studs, thick black canvas, hand-riveted corners, and automotive-era industrial hardware.

More importantly, this piece has documented Lightning Magazine provenance, one of Japan’s most authoritative publications on vintage luxury, Americana, and historical goods. Items with media documentation consistently appreciate in the collector market.

For museums, connoisseurs, designers, and collectors of heritage luggage, there are only two categories of Louis Vuitton trunks:
1) The ones in museums, and
2) The ones collectors refuse to sell.

This is one of the few that escapes both categories.

Where French luxury history intersects with automotive innovation — this early Louis Vuitton Motor Trunk stands as a relic of bespoke travel culture, crafted more than a century ago and preserved through generations of collectors.

📜 DESCRIPTION

This extraordinary 1910s Louis Vuitton Antique Motor Trunk is a historically significant artifact from the earliest era of personal motor vehicles. Produced during a transformative period in global transportation, it embodies the design philosophy of Louis Vuitton’s early bespoke automotive luggage: made-to-measure trunks designed specifically to fit inside or atop early automobiles.

■ Origins & Construction

During the 1898 Paris Motor Show, Louis Vuitton premiered luggage solutions specifically engineered for automobiles — a groundbreaking move that redefined travel luxury. This trunk belongs to that tradition.
Its defining characteristics closely match other authenticated examples from expert archives and period catalogues:

• Thick black coated canvas — often used for more rugged, motor-specific models

• Hand-riveted brass hardware typical of pre-1920 construction

• Solid wood frame, heavy and robust, designed for carriage or roof-rack placement

• Hand-stitched leather side reinforcements and handle mounts

• Wide, low-profile body suitable for the rear of early driver cars

• Gold-toned latches and signature industrial studs, consistent with Louis Vuitton’s 1900–1930 production

■ Rare Surviving Configuration

Most early motor trunks were discarded during war, damaged by weather, or lost when automobiles transitioned into modern designs. This piece includes rare characteristics:

• Early LV black canvas (distinct from monogram; historically used for coach travel and custom automobile trunks)

• Sturdy brass lock plate and hinges with pronounced rivetwork

• Wide horizontal silhouette typical of chauffeur-driven cars

• Side belt mount remnants which show where leather securing straps once wrapped around car coachwork

■ Documentation & Cultural Provenance

The seller notes that similar pieces have been featured in Lightning Magazine, and links to two articles are provided (very important authenticity reinforcement for collectors).
Lightning is a respected publication in Japan known for spotlighting historically significant LV, Goyard, and Hermès luggage.

Any LV artifact with print documentation enjoys elevated collector desirability.

■ Dimensions & Scale

• Width: ~90 cm

• Height: ~24.5 cm

• Depth: ~36.5 cm (top), 30.5 cm (bottom)
  A substantial presence ideal for display in homes, galleries, hotels, or boutiques.

■ Condition

Given its age — over 110 years old — the trunk exhibits expected historical patina:

• Surface abrasions, canvas wear, age-related oxidation

• Brass hardware patina

• Leather belt holes and reinforcement marks

• Interior consistent with antique trunks of the period

This patina is not damage — it is provenance, a timeline etched into the material.

■ Why This Trunk Is Investment-Grade

Collectors value early LV trunks for:

1. Historical rarity

2. Pre-war craftsmanship

3. Low global supply

4. High museum comparables (MoMA, Musée des Arts Décoratifs, etc.)

5. Documented provenance

Early black-canvas motor trunks are especially scarce, and examples with Lightning Magazine references rarely appear on the open market.

This is a once-in-a-decade acquisition opportunity.

Shipping and Handling Notes:

Due to the exceptional size and weight of this wardrobe trunk, shipment will require dedicated cargo logistics rather than standard parcel services. Our logistics team will curate the most secure and efficient freight options and provide a customized shipping quotation during your consultation prior to purchase.

The shipping cost displayed on this listing represents only a partial placeholder for total freight and handling. A finalized all-inclusive quote will be arranged personally for you.

Looking to secure this piece today?

At Japonista, we take pride in offering only carefully curated, original, and authentic pieces. Every item we list is examined, researched, and backed by our full authenticity guarantee—so you may buy with complete confidence.

Some of our pieces may allow a little room for negotiation, while others hold firm due to rarity, condition, or collector value. On a case-by-case basis, we do entertain best offers, and we welcome you to submit one if you have a particular figure in mind. We review all offers seriously and personally.

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Thank you for choosing Japonista. We are honored to share these extraordinary treasures of Japan with you, from our heart to your doorstep.