What is the history of French steamer trunks from the 1920s?

During the Golden Age of travel in the early 20th century, French trunk makers crafted specialized steamer and cabin trunks for wealthy travellers journeying by transatlantic ocean liners and steam trains. Makers such as Aux Etats-Unis of Paris created flat-topped luggage designed to stack easily in ship holds and train cabins.

What materials were traditionally used to build vintage travel trunks?

Historic travel trunks were built with lightweight solid wood frames wrapped in heavy-duty waterproof canvas or leather. They were reinforced with wooden runner slats, brass or iron corner brackets, studded leather borders, and heavy-duty metal draw-bolt latches to withstand rigorous transit.

How can you identify authentic early 20th-century French luggage?

Authentic pieces usually feature makers badges or embossed brass hardware referencing Parisian maker addresses, hand-riveted studs, solid beech or ash slats, and original stencilled owner initials or transit stickers.

How can an antique steamer trunk be styled in modern interiors?

Flat-topped steamer trunks serve as functional coffee tables, low side tables, or foot-of-bed storage chests. Their patinated leather and warm wood tones add historic texture to minimalist, eclectic, or traditional room layouts.

How do you care for and preserve antique canvas and leather trunks?

Keep the trunk in a climate-controlled environment away from direct sunlight and dampness. Clean canvas surfaces with a dry soft brush, condition leather trims sparingly with microcrystalline wax or specialist leather balm, and polish brass hardware gently without stripping historic patina.

for sale €3,218 $3,493

£2,750

Regent Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Sep 2016

Browse dealers 638 items

About Us

We specialise in english and continental furniture, silver, porcelain and decorative items.
Trade Associations

Regent Antiques is a registered member of LAPADA CINOA

Relevant Links

Antique Flat Top Trunk

Edwardian Travel Trunk

Monogrammed Antique Trunk

Brown Canvas Steamer Trunk

Id #SA1152036

PDF

SAVE

Antique Aux Etats Unis of Paris Steamer Trunk Luggage Circa 1920

Name: Antique Aux Etats Unis of Paris Steamer Trunk Luggage Circa 1920
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1152036
Price: 2750 GBP
Availability: InStock

1900 - 1920

For Sale by Regent Antiques

Description

A luxury antique Aux Etats Unis of Paris leather travel trunk, Circa 1920 in date.

This luxury French luggage travel trunk is a true masterpiece from one of the most prestigious French fashion houses of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this trunk features a solid wood frame wrapped in leather, accented by rich dark brown leather trim.

The brass-bound corners and hardware are of exceptional quality, with a maker's label and a centre lock, with innner tray and original label inscribed 'Aux Etats Unis, 229 Rue St Honore, Paris.

Once a symbol of luxury travel, this trunk now serves as a stunning coffee table or statement piece in any home. Its timeless elegance and superb construction make it a perfect blend of history and style, bringing a touch of classic French luxury to your living space.

Complete with 2 original keys.

Provenance:

Purchased in 1923 from their store at Rue de Rivoli, Paris,

The trunk bearing the initials MABB which are the original owner's initials.

Condition:

In excellent condition. As antique items, the pieces show signs of use commensurate with age, these minor condition issues are mentioned for accuracy and, as seen in the accompanying photographs, they display beautifully.

Dimensions in cm:

Height 35 cm x Width 112 cm x Depth 57 cm

Dimensions in inches:

Height 1 foot, 2 inches x Width 3 foot, 8 inches x Depth 1 foot, 10 inches

"Aux États-Unis"

is French for "To the United States" as these trunks were ideal for travel to the US by ship.

In the context of luggage, it refers to a French trunk maker that was established in 1845 at 229 Rue Saint-Honoré, Paris, a famous and historic street in Paris, known for its luxury boutiques, high-end fashion, and proximity to iconic landmarks. It's a popular destination for both shopping and sightseeing, stretching from the Louvre Museum to the Place de la Madeleine.

Aux États Unis was a Parisian trunk maker known for producing high-quality trunks. They were a competitor to other renowned trunk makers like Louis Vuitton and Goyard. The company eventually closed down in the 1980s due to a decline in demand for trunks.

Aux États Unis trunks are known for their meticulous craftsmanship, often featuring solid wood frames, woven fabric, leather trim, and brass hardware.

They are designed with a focus on both functionality and aesthetics, echoing the styles of other luxury trunk makers of the time.

The interior of these trunks often includes features like webbed crates for hat protection or other compartments for storage.

Due to their historical significance and quality, Aux États Unis trunks are often considered collectible items and are used for interior design or as props.

Our reference: A4558

Physical Dimensions

Height

35cm (13.78")

Width

112cm (44.09")

Depth

57cm (22.44")

Declaration

Regent Antiques has dated this Antique French Steamer Trunk to the 1920s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1152036

Dealers Internal Reference

A4558

Description

A luxury antique Aux Etats Unis of Paris leather travel trunk, Circa 1920 in date.

“

This luxury French luggage travel trunk is a true masterpiece from one of the most prestigious French fashion houses of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Regent Antiques

fig 1. An antique brown canvas and leather steamer trunk featuring protective wooden slats, brass latches, and stencilled initials on the side. — fig 1. Antique Aux Etats Unis of Paris Steamer Trunk Luggage Circa 1920

Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this trunk features a solid wood frame wrapped in leather, accented by rich dark brown leather trim.

The brass-bound corners and hardware are of exceptional quality, with a maker's label and a centre lock, with innner tray and original label inscribed 'Aux Etats Unis, 229 Rue St Honore, Paris.

fig 2. An antique brown canvas and leather steamer trunk featuring protective wooden slats, brass latches, and stencilled initials on the side. — fig 2. Antique Aux Etats Unis of Paris Steamer Trunk Luggage Circa 1920

Once a symbol of luxury travel, this trunk now serves as a stunning coffee table or statement piece in any home. Its timeless elegance and superb construction make it a perfect blend of history and style, bringing a touch of classic French luxury to your living space.

fig 3. An antique brown canvas and leather steamer trunk featuring protective wooden slats, brass latches, and stencilled initials on the side. — fig 3. Antique Aux Etats Unis of Paris Steamer Trunk Luggage Circa 1920

Complete with 2 original keys.

Provenance:

Purchased in 1923 from their store at Rue de Rivoli, Paris,

The trunk bearing the initials MABB which are the original owner's initials.

Condition:

In excellent condition. As antique items, the pieces show signs of use commensurate with age, these minor condition issues are mentioned for accuracy and, as seen in the accompanying photographs, they display beautifully.

fig 4. An antique brown canvas and leather steamer trunk featuring protective wooden slats, brass latches, and stencilled initials on the side. — fig 4. Antique Aux Etats Unis of Paris Steamer Trunk Luggage Circa 1920

Dimensions in cm:

Height 35 cm x Width 112 cm x Depth 57 cm

Dimensions in inches:

Height 1 foot, 2 inches x Width 3 foot, 8 inches x Depth 1 foot, 10 inches

"Aux États-Unis"

is French for "To the United States" as these trunks were ideal for travel to the US by ship.

fig 5. An antique brown canvas and leather steamer trunk featuring protective wooden slats, brass latches, and stencilled initials on the side. — fig 5. Antique Aux Etats Unis of Paris Steamer Trunk Luggage Circa 1920

In the context of luggage, it refers to a French trunk maker that was established in 1845 at 229 Rue Saint-Honoré, Paris, a famous and historic street in Paris, known for its luxury boutiques, high-end fashion, and proximity to iconic landmarks. It's a popular destination for both shopping and sightseeing, stretching from the Louvre Museum to the Place de la Madeleine.

fig 6. An antique brown canvas and leather steamer trunk featuring protective wooden slats, brass latches, and stencilled initials on the side. — fig 6. Antique Aux Etats Unis of Paris Steamer Trunk Luggage Circa 1920

Aux États Unis was a Parisian trunk maker known for producing high-quality trunks. They were a competitor to other renowned trunk makers like Louis Vuitton and Goyard. The company eventually closed down in the 1980s due to a decline in demand for trunks.

fig 7. An antique brown canvas and leather steamer trunk featuring protective wooden slats, brass latches, and stencilled initials on the side. — fig 7. Antique Aux Etats Unis of Paris Steamer Trunk Luggage Circa 1920

Aux États Unis trunks are known for their meticulous craftsmanship, often featuring solid wood frames, woven fabric, leather trim, and brass hardware.

They are designed with a focus on both functionality and aesthetics, echoing the styles of other luxury trunk makers of the time.

fig 8. An antique brown canvas and leather steamer trunk featuring protective wooden slats, brass latches, and stencilled initials on the side. — fig 8. Antique Aux Etats Unis of Paris Steamer Trunk Luggage Circa 1920

The interior of these trunks often includes features like webbed crates for hat protection or other compartments for storage.

Due to their historical significance and quality, Aux États Unis trunks are often considered collectible items and are used for interior design or as props.

Our reference: A4558