What is the historical purpose of a steamer trunk?

Steamer trunks were developed during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries specifically for ocean liner travel. Designed to fit beneath steamship berths, they provided secure and durable transport for clothing and personal belongings during extended voyages.

What materials were traditionally used to manufacture steamer trunks in the 1920s?

During the 1920s, high-end trunks were built using light wood framing, covered with waterproofed canvas or leather, and reinforced with brass or iron hardware. Beechwood slats and metal corner protectors provided structural rigidity during transit.

How can you identify authentic 1920s French trunks?

Authentic pieces from this period typically display specific manufacturer marks, including stamped serial numbers, engraved brass locks, branded rivets, and hand-stencilled monogram patterns rather than modern printed textiles.

How can a vintage trunk be styled in a modern interior scheme?

A large trunk can serve as a central coffee table in a living room or sit at the foot of a bed for secondary storage. Its architectural silhouette adds historical character when paired alongside contemporary furniture.

How should canvas and leather trunks be preserved?

Trunks should be kept in climate-controlled environments away from direct sunlight and excess humidity. Canvas can be cleaned gently with a dry microfibre cloth, while brass fittings require occasional unpolished care to preserve natural patination.

for sale €35,100 $38,100

£30,000

Royal House Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Jun 2021

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Royal house antiques is a privately-owned family ran company founded in wimbledon in 2012 by husband and wife james and iris thorpe

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Fully Restored 1920 Louis Vuitton France Wardrobe Steamer Trunk Stencil Monogram

Name: Fully Restored 1920 Louis Vuitton France Wardrobe Steamer Trunk Stencil Monogram
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA815026
Price: 30000 GBP
Availability: InStock

1900 - 1920

For Sale by Royal House Antiques

Description

Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely stunning fully restored original Louis Vuitton 1920 steamer wardrobe trunk originally owned by Major VH Jones later Col Victor Jones 14th King Hussars.

Please note the delivery fee listed is just a guide, it covers within the M25 only for the UK and local Europe only for international, if you would like an accurate quote please send me your postcode and I’ll provide you with the exact price.

This is the finest example of this kind of trunk I have ever seen, the chap I had restore it for me is an absolute genius, he specialises in these types of trunks and its easy to see why he is so renowned. This piece is classed as a stencil monogram, it has a streel trim, brass hard wear and dates as mentioned to 1920.

This is of course a wardrobe trunk, it can be used the traditional way laying flat for display or standing for function, it is completely original, every single brass stud is stamped Louis Vuitton, the lock reads “70 Champs Elysee Paris, Louis Vuitton, London 149 New Bond Street” with “Made in France” and the serial number 047266 on the locking plate. The leather strap mounts read “Paris Louis Vuitton London”, The original trade label inside reads “Asnieres s/seine Louis Vuitton Paris_70 Champs Elysees, Nice_4 Jardin Public, Lille_34 Rue Faidherbe, London_149 New Bond St”. The leather handles, brass locks, all the hangers, everything is original and stamped as well.

This piece as mentioned has been fully restored on the outside, the internals as ever has been left totally original and untouched. The work to the outside has been extensive, the case has been completely washed back taking off the years of travel dirt, the timber washed back waxed and polished, all the studs and brass work burnished and polished, the steel work painted black and then the whole thing sealed. This piece is ready to go for another 100 years.

There are some areas of wear externally as with all these pieces, usually from loading and unloading, there are some small holes in the monogram cover, general patination all over as you would hope (and expect) based on honest age and genuine use.

Dimensions

Height:- 111cm

Width:- 56cm

Depth:- 55cm

Please note all measurements are taken at the widest point, if you would like any additional or specific measurements please ask.

Any questions please feel free to ask.

Physical Dimensions

Height

111cm (43.70")

Width

56cm (22.05")

Depth

55cm (21.65")

Declaration

Royal House Antiques has dated this Louis Vuitton Steamer Trunk to the 1920s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA815026

Description

fig 1. A 1920s Louis Vuitton steamer trunk featuring stencilled brown monogram canvas, protective wood slats, brass corner hardware, and painted initials. — fig 1. Fully Restored 1920 Louis Vuitton France Wardrobe Steamer Trunk Stencil Monogram

Please note the delivery fee listed is just a guide, it covers within the M25 only for the UK and local Europe only for international, if you would like an accurate quote please send me your postcode and I’ll provide you with the exact price.

This is the finest example of this kind of trunk I have ever seen, the chap I had restore it for me is an absolute genius, he specialises in these types of trunks and its easy to see why he is so renowned.

“

This piece is classed as a stencil monogram, it has a streel trim, brass hard wear and dates as mentioned to 1920.

Royal House Antiques

fig 2. A 1920s Louis Vuitton steamer trunk featuring stencilled brown monogram canvas, protective wood slats, brass corner hardware, and painted initials. — fig 2. Fully Restored 1920 Louis Vuitton France Wardrobe Steamer Trunk Stencil Monogram

This is of course a wardrobe trunk, it can be used the traditional way laying flat for display or standing for function, it is completely original, every single brass stud is stamped Louis Vuitton, the lock reads “70 Champs Elysee Paris, Louis Vuitton, London 149 New Bond Street” with “Made in France” and the serial number 047266 on the locking plate. The leather strap mounts read “Paris Louis Vuitton London”, The original trade label inside reads “Asnieres s/seine Louis Vuitton Paris_70 Champs Elysees, Nice_4 Jardin Public, Lille_34 Rue Faidherbe, London_149 New Bond St”. The leather handles, brass locks, all the hangers, everything is original and stamped as well.

fig 3. A 1920s Louis Vuitton steamer trunk featuring stencilled brown monogram canvas, protective wood slats, brass corner hardware, and painted initials. — fig 3. Fully Restored 1920 Louis Vuitton France Wardrobe Steamer Trunk Stencil Monogram

This piece as mentioned has been fully restored on the outside, the internals as ever has been left totally original and untouched. The work to the outside has been extensive, the case has been completely washed back taking off the years of travel dirt, the timber washed back waxed and polished, all the studs and brass work burnished and polished, the steel work painted black and then the whole thing sealed. This piece is ready to go for another 100 years.

fig 4. A 1920s Louis Vuitton steamer trunk featuring stencilled brown monogram canvas, protective wood slats, brass corner hardware, and painted initials. — fig 4. Fully Restored 1920 Louis Vuitton France Wardrobe Steamer Trunk Stencil Monogram

There are some areas of wear externally as with all these pieces, usually from loading and unloading, there are some small holes in the monogram cover, general patination all over as you would hope (and expect) based on honest age and genuine use.