Louis Vuitton Malle Courrier Antique Damier Canvas Flat Trunk, 1888–1900, Original Hardware, Initials T.M.

Before the Monogram, there was Damier: this Malle Courrier flat trunk, made between 1888 and 1900, is covered in the first generation of Louis Vuitton's checkerboard canvas. Built for the age of steamships and porters, it keeps its original hand-riveted hardware, period wood slats and the painted initials T.M. of its first owner.

The Piece

This Louis Vuitton Damier Malle Courrier flat trunk dates to the years between 1888 and 1900, the earliest generation of Damier canvas ever produced. It retains its original checkerboard canvas, early hand-riveted hardware and period-correct wood slats, embodying the golden era of French luxury travel.

The surface carries authentic age marks, patina, oxidation, period stickers and the remnants of vintage hotel labels, all signs of genuine world travel. The hand-painted initials "T.M." refer to the trunk's first owner and give the piece its provenance. It is not a modern reproduction but an archival object more than 120 years old, increasingly difficult to find in any condition.

Collectors value early Damier trunks for their historical importance: they were produced before the Monogram canvas became the house's signature. A trunk of this period stands comfortably alongside high-end furniture, in gallery spaces, boutiques and private collections, whether used as a statement coffee table, an interior showpiece, a storage chest or kept as a preserved archive piece, and it remains one of the strongest symbols of Louis Vuitton's artisanal legacy.

Details

• Maker: Louis Vuitton
• Model: Malle Courrier (flat trunk)
• Era: 1888–1900 production
• Material: Early Damier canvas; wood slats; brass and iron hardware (period oxidation)
• Measurements: Approx. H32.5 × W100 × D50.5 cm
• Included: Repair certificate; key
• Markings: Hand-painted initials "T.M." (original owner); remnants of vintage hotel labels

Condition

Japonista grade B · Good, with visible wear consistent with use; fully functional.

• Rank B: usable condition with authentic historical patina; structural integrity remains excellent for its age.
• Exterior: Damier canvas with significant period wear, including scratches, marks and fading.
• Wood slats show age-darkening and slight distortions.
• Hardware shows oxidation and rust consistent with more than 120 years of age.
• Remnants of vintage hotel labels; original owner initials "T.M." visible.
• Interior fabric shows staining and expected antique use; no foul odor, only a natural antique scent.
• Overall, a true antique showing authentic wear consistent with travel from the 19th to the early 20th century.

Authenticity & Care

Early Damier canvas, hand-riveted brass and iron hardware and period wood slats consistent with 1888–1900 production; offered with a repair certificate and key, and identified by the hand-painted owner initials "T.M.". 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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