1900s Wooden Steamer Trunk With Brass and Leather Accents by Paul Romand, France

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1900s wooden steamer trunk with brass and leather accents by Paul Romand, France

By: Paul Romand
Material: wood, leather, metal, … Read more 1900s wooden steamer trunk with brass and leather accents by Paul Romand, France

By: Paul Romand
Material: wood, leather, metal, brass, zinc, copper
Technique: carved, hand-carved, hand-crafted, cast, molded, metalwork, polished
Dimensions: 31.5 in x 18.5 in x 22 in
Date: early 20th century, circa 1900
Style: Belle Époque, Arts & Crafts
Place of origin: France

Crafted in France during the early 20th century, this wooden steamer trunk with brass and leather details carries the mark of Paul Romand, successor to the historic Maison Mermillod, a Parisian workshop established in 1794 and renowned for its expertise in travel goods and fine packing cases. The label inside links it directly to 213 Rue Saint-Honoré, a legendary address in the history of French luxury, once home to the atelier where Louis Vuitton apprenticed before founding his own house.

The trunk reveals meticulous craftsmanship in its wooden structure reinforced with brass and copper fittings, polished leather borders, and hand-worked metal mounts that balance durability with elegance. The interior preserves its original compartments, conceived to store garments, personal items, and objects of art, reflecting the lifestyle and demands of refined travel during the Belle Époque. More than a utilitarian object, it embodies the Parisian tradition of artisanal excellence at the crossroads of function and sophistication, standing as a testament to the cultural and artistic spirit that shaped the decorative arts in France at the turn of the century. See less