Antique French Leather Travelling Case from Louis Vuitton

Details

Description

A rare and highly evocative early 20th-century louis vuitton fitted leather travelling case, retaining its original brass hardware, leather handle … Read more A rare and highly evocative early 20th-century louis vuitton fitted leather travelling case, retaining its original brass hardware, leather handle and richly appointed yellow silk-lined interior. The case bears an engraved brass plaque inscribed: "marquis de chasseloup-laubat – paris – london – jockey club – to french embassy", and is reputedly from the same ownership as a special-order louis vuitton damier trunk bearing an aristocratic coronet and the initials lcl, strongly suggesting an association with the distinguished french noble family of chasseloup-laubat.

crafted in vuitton's luxurious natural leather, now displaying a beautifully developed honey-brown patina acquired through decades of travel and use, the case exemplifies the exceptional quality and craftsmanship for which louis vuitton became the luggage maker of choice amongst european aristocracy, diplomats and society figures during the belle époque and early 20th century. The brass lock and catches, reinforced corners and substantial leather handle are all characteristic of vuitton's bespoke travel pieces, designed to withstand the demands of international travel whilst embodying the utmost refinement and elegance.

the interior is particularly striking, lined throughout in vibrant yellow silk and retaining its original maker's label. The fitted construction suggests that the case was commissioned for a specific purpose, perhaps for jewellery, documents, personal effects or diplomatic accessories, and its remarkable state of preservation considerably enhances its desirability.

the engraved plaque is especially intriguing. The chasseloup-laubat family was one of france's most eminent aristocratic dynasties, producing statesmen, military figures and notable members of high society. The references to paris, the london jockey club and the french embassy evoke the rarefied world of edwardian diplomacy and aristocratic travel between the great capitals of europe. The discovery of a related louis vuitton special-order trunk bearing the initials lcl and an aristocratic coronet lends considerable weight to the tradition that this case formed part of a larger suite of luggage commissioned for a member of the chasseloup-laubat family.

combining the enduring appeal of louis vuitton with noble provenance and an unusually compelling historical narrative, this is far more than a simple travelling case. It is an atmospheric survival from the golden age of luxury travel, offering a tangible connection to the cosmopolitan world of european aristocracy and one of france's most distinguished noble families.

provenance: reputedly from the luggage suite of the marquis de chasseloup-laubat family, accompanied by a related special-order louis vuitton damier trunk bearing an aristocratic coronet and the initials lcl.

condition

in overall good antique condition - wear, scuffs and marks consistent with age and extensive use. The leather shows areas of rubbing but very good patina, the interior displays very minor age-related wear, lacking tray. Please refer to photographs

size

height: 25 cm // 9.84 inches
width: 62 cm // 24.41 inches
depth: 40 cm // 15.75 inches this piece has an attribution mark,
i am sure that it is completely authentic and take full responsibility for any authenticity
issues arising from misattribution See less