Plywood Car Trunk, France, 1910s

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Car Trunks in France around 1910 – Luxury, Mobility, and Design

Around 1910, France experienced a cultural and industrial heyday … Read more Car Trunks in France around 1910 – Luxury, Mobility, and Design

Around 1910, France experienced a cultural and industrial heyday closely linked to the development of the automobile. The car trunk – a specially designed piece of luggage for traveling by car – became not only a symbol of modern mobility during this period, but also an expression of style and status. In Paris, the center of luxury arts and crafts, elegant leather trunks were produced by manufacturers such as Louis Vuitton and Goyard. These trunks were often custom-made, fitted precisely onto the luggage racks of automobiles, and combined functional design with refined craftsmanship.

The design reflected the principles of Art Nouveau – flowing lines, high-quality materials, and aesthetic sophistication were paramount. The car trunk thus became part of the new, mobile lifestyle of the wealthy upper class and marked the transition from static residential luxury to the sophisticated travel culture of the early 20th century.

Few signs of use. Designed to be attached to the rear of a motor vehicle, this antique trunk is in good original condition. Extremely robustly crafted and with a slightly curved lid, the piece has survived well for more than 100 years. The heavy fittings, made of nickel-plated brass, are noteworthy. The keys for the two locks signed "D.F eg, Depose," are no longer available. See less