Louis Vuitton Trunk c.1909

Charming and rare Louis Vuitton courier trunk manufactured in 1909, covered in the iconic orange Vuittonite canvas—a signature of the Maison’s early 20th-century creations.

This model represents the most luxurious finish available in Louis Vuitton’s catalog at the time, featuring natural leather borders and solid brass hardware. The four locks are each stamped Louis Vuitton Paris, and the trunk rests on four original castors. The leather strap loops remain intact and beautifully preserved.

On each side appear the painted initials “J.B.”, those of the original owner. Several French railway transport labelsremain affixed to the canvas, bearing witness to the trunk’s travels—to Le Mans and Monte-Carlo, destinations favored by the well-to-do travelers of the early 1900s. These authentic traces of use lend the piece a valuable historical dimension.

The interior, in excellent condition, is lined with beige cotton canvas and features padded quilting inside the lid. It retains the original removable tray, the period leather strap, and the original Louis Vuitton key—a rare survival.
An intriguing detail: the key is engraved “Clé malle Vuitton pour l’argenterie” (“Louis Vuitton trunk key for silverware”).

This unusual inscription suggests that, during its lifetime, the trunk was repurposed to transport solid-silver objects rather than clothing—a heavy cargo that explains the slight but genuine wear visible on the original handles, still present and well preserved.

Inside the lid remains the authentic Louis Vuitton label, listing the historic store addresses in Paris (rue Scribe) and London, along with the serial number printed beside it.

The trunk displays a beautifully even tone, leather in superb condition, and a clean, complete interior.
It is exceptionally rare today to find a Louis Vuitton trunk of this format still retaining its original key, strap, and tray, making it a particularly desirable collector’s piece.

EXCLUSIVELY IN LOS ANGELES

This trunk is currently available exclusively at Maxfield in Los Angeles, where you are warmly invited to view it on Melrose Avenue.