28 - LOUIS VUITTON

LOUIS VUITTON Rare antique trunk in Gris Trianon canvas, late 19th century, circa 1870 A rare Louis Vuitton travel trunk, rectangular in shape, covered in Gris Trianon canvas—the first canvas used by the House as early as 1854—characteristic of the early productions of the famous Parisian trunk maker. It features a frame reinforced with patinated metal strips, protected corner brackets and edges, as well as a metal side handle. The front bears old stenciled travel markings, notably the initials “W. T. C.” and the word “New York,” attesting to its history and international destination. The interior, lined with a light-colored, finely striped fabric, retains beneath the lid a remarkable system of crisscrossing straps designed to secure personal belongings. An old Louis Vuitton commercial label, "Emballeur," is present inside, bearing the historic addresses of 3 Rue Neuve-des-Capucines, near Place Vendôme, and 65 Avenue des Champs-Élysées, as well as a reference to the Asnières factory. The back of the trunk bears several old stenciled inscriptions, notably those of historic railroad companies and transportation lines (such as Blue Line, C.F.R., or C.F.F., C. & N.W. Ry. for the Chicago and North Western Railway, and Pacific R.R.). The Gris Trianon canvas, understated and elegant, is a key testament to the origins of the House of Louis Vuitton, predating the introduction of the striped, Damier, and Monogram canvases. In good vintage condition, with signs of wear, scuffs, stains, signs of age, and oxidation on the metal hardware. The interior is well-preserved with traces of use. The original label shows creases and tears.