A 20th century Louis Vuitton trunk is up for sale in Carlisle.
The H&H Christmas Auction will be held on December 7.
Believed to date from the beginning of the 20th century, its original owner was a Belgian engineer who travelled across Africa and Europe and worked in the Congo for many years.
Although it has journeyed far and wide it is in remarkably good condition and with a little sympathetic restoration would grace any home. Measuring 80cm x 47cm x 37cm the exterior is decorated in the Damier canvas, with all clasps and lock in working order.
Any prospective purchaser keen to know its exact date can contact Louis Vuitton, who will be able to tell from the well-preserved label and design when it was manufactured, however, this process can take between four to five months.
Stephen Farthing auctioneer and valuer at H & H Auctions said: “We are very excited to offer this remarkably well-preserved piece of travel history. It has already generated a lot of interest, particularly as Louis Vuitton is such a collectable brand. These days fashion is as important in the house as it is on the person, so we are expecting considerable interest.
“Offered with an estimate of between £800 – £1,200 this lot may well exceed expectations, as such pieces are in great demand, but rest assured those who come to this festive auction will also find a wide variety of interesting and desirable objects for sale at prices to fit all pockets and trunks.”
Associated with unalloyed luxury, Monsieur Vuitton himself came of very humble origins. He was born in 1821 in the mountain town of Anchay, in eastern France and at around the age of thirteen he set off to Paris to seek his fortune.
It was a journey of over 300 miles. Arriving in Paris he became an apprentice to a box manufacturer. In his early thirties, he designed a flat-topped trunk that could be stacked. This was a radical innovation, as to keep the rain out, trunks were normally designed with a domed lid.
Eventually, he was hired as the personal box-maker and packer to Empress Eugenie of France and Vuitton became the travel goods manufacturer of choice among the aristocracy.
