Louis Vuitton Monogram Cabin Trunk No. 181990, Circa 1915, Paris & London Label, 100 cm

Before the Maison was known for handbags, it was known for trunks like this one. Built around 1915 in Monogram canvas over a wooden body, it keeps its Paris and London label, its serial number and its removable tray, with more than a century of genuine travel worked into every surface.

The Piece

This Monogram travel trunk dates to approximately 1915, when Louis Vuitton trunks were still working instruments of long-distance rail and ocean travel. Measuring about 100 cm wide, it is built in Monogram canvas over a rigid wooden structure, reinforced with wooden slats, metal edging and corner elements, rivets and studs, locking hardware and aged leather carrying handles. The broad, comparatively low proportion belongs to the practical vocabulary of early trunks intended to organize clothing and personal possessions while remaining stackable.

Inside, an early Louis Vuitton label identifies the Maison through its historic addresses, 1 Rue Scribe, Paris and 149 New Bond Street, London, together with serial number 181990. Address-bearing labels of this kind are important chronological evidence in antique Vuitton collecting: Christie's has catalogued Monogram trunks from the first quarter of the twentieth century bearing the same Paris and London configuration, including examples dated circa 1915. The date is best given as circa 1915 rather than as an exact year.

A reddish painted identification panel or stripe on the exterior recalls how travelers made individual trunks recognizable among quantities of similar luggage; painted initials, colored stripes and identifying fields became part of the visual culture of travel. The interior keeps its pale textile lining with a quilted lid, ribbon detailing, sectioned storage and one removable tray, which once separated smaller garments and accessories from larger articles beneath. Open the lid and the trunk still explains how it was meant to be used.

Canvas softens, leather darkens, wood takes dents and metal oxidizes; together they give an antique trunk the layered surface reproductions cannot imitate. At 100 cm the piece commands a room without reaching wardrobe-trunk scale. Beneath glass it becomes a low table, and it serves equally as a blanket chest, display plinth or collector's storage trunk.

Details

• Maker: Louis Vuitton
• Model: Antique travel / cabin trunk
• Serial number: 181990
• Era: Circa 1915
• Material: Monogram canvas over a wooden body; wooden reinforcing slats; leather handles; metal edging, corners, rivets, studs and locking hardware; textile-lined interior
• Color: Brown Monogram; reddish painted identification mark
• Measurements: Width approx. 100 cm (39.4 in) · Depth approx. 54 cm (21.3 in) · Height approx. 35 cm (13.8 in)
• Included: One removable interior tray
• Label: 1 Rue Scribe, Paris · 149 New Bond Street, London
• Interior: Pale textile lining, quilted lid, ribbon detailing, sectioned storage

Condition

• Antique condition: an approximately century-old trunk with age-related wear throughout, its Monogram exterior comparatively well preserved for its age.
• Scratches, surface dirt, metal oxidation and general wear; surface abrasions, darkened structural trim, historic marks, wear to the handles and natural variation across the canvas.
• The wooden reinforcements and metal fittings retain a strong structural presence; the side handle remains attached, though aged.
• The quilting and textile lining show historic staining, discoloration and use without major loss; the removable tray is present.
• Preservation is preferable to refinishing: retain original material and stabilize fragile components only where necessary.

Authenticity & Care

The interior label carries serial number 181990 with the 1 Rue Scribe, Paris and 149 New Bond Street, London addresses, a format consistent with Louis Vuitton trunks of the first quarter of the twentieth century; canvas, slat arrangement, hardware typology and age-consistent wear agree with the circa 1915 date. Every piece is examined and documented in Japan before dispatch and is offered with the Japonista authenticity guarantee.

Delivery from Japan

Packed by hand in Japan and shipped insured and tracked by EMS or an equivalent express service. Import duties and taxes, where applicable, are payable on arrival. Returns follow our published policy.

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