A Louis Vuitton trunk in natural cow hide, France, circa 1900
A Louis Vuitton trunk in natural cow hide, France, circa 1900
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A very rare Louis Vuitton “malle haute” or “high trunk“. Dating to the early part of the 20th century, covered not in the world famous (but more common) monogram canvas but in a single piece of cow hide. These all-leather trunks were made by special order and Louis Vuitton used to take pride in using only the best hides. Although it has not been possible to trace back the original owners, the crowned initials suggest it most certainly belonged to a famous noble family.
Many have not stood the test of time, leather needs to be treated every few years otherwise it dries and disintegrates but this example still shows the suppleness it had the day it left the shop. These are part of a range of “speciality materials” used by Vuitton, the materials including (but not limited to) zinc, copper, crocodile leather and cow leather. What makes this trunk particularly appealing is his use of contrasting metals for the hardware with brass catches and lock plates and copper hallmarked studs, a trademark only found on leather special order trunks.
Condition: some staining on the leather, the inside lid and trays have probably been relined at some stage along time ago, if so the work has been carried out very well. Overall very good vintage condition.
Dimensions: 73cm high, 59cm deep, 87cm wide