Designer French steamer trunks have been collected by both aficionados and novice collectors alike for decades, but what makes them so collectible?

In order to get a better understanding of steamer trunks and their popularity, it is necessary to learn more about their historical context. Following the Industrial Revolution, the invention of steam locomotives and ocean liners from the early to mid-19th century opened the door for intercontinental travel. This resulted in increased use of large trunks to transport traveler’s belongings.

Originally, steamer trunks had a domed top that would protect fine clothing from the elements. However, with increased travel on large ocean liners and trains, how could locomotives and liners successfully store so many pieces of luggage? In response, Louis Vuitton established his company in 1854, fashioning high end steamer trunks with an innovative rectangular form.

Surprisingly, the first Louis Vuitton trunks did not use the well-known monogram canvas. Early steamer trunks were made in grey canvas. Beginning in 1872, this changed to red and beige striped canvas, and in 1888, moved to a Damier checkerboard canvas. It was not until after Louis Vuitton’s death that the company began to produce trunks with the signature Louis Vuitton monogrammed pattern.

How can you find the date of your Louis Vuitton steamer trunk?

The first clue lies with the label found on the interior. Generally, you should pay close attention to the store locations. The newer the trunk, the more store locations included on the label. Here are several images of labels on a variety of trunks offered at Clars.

Additionally, you will want to find a stamped or printed serial number. It is also important to take a look at the engravings on the hardware, as well as embroidery and stitching on the interior. Signatures will also appear on other elements, right down to the hangers. As antique Louis Vuitton trunks were not mechanically massed produced, there are many details to look for.

What should I look for when purchasing a Louis Vuitton trunk?

There are several important factors to ask when buying a Louis Vuitton trunk, but it is most important to purchase your trunk from a reputable source. It is imperative is to request additional photographs, and ask the seller questions about the trunk. When in doubt, it is important to send photographs of your trunk and label to a reputable gallery.

Steamer trunks are only one of many forms of luggage produced by Louis Vuitton. Clars has sold a variety of forms, including a train case, a cabin trunk, a wardrobe, as well as hardcase luggage. A form that is rarer can be more collectible, for example this exceptional vertical Louis Vuitton steamer trunk with basket insert that hammered for $13,000. For further reading, Louis Vuitton has produced a guide titled Louis Vuitton: 100 Legendary Trunks, which includes over eight hundred photographs of Louis Vuitton trunks and luggage.

Are there other early 20th century French designers who manufactured steamer trunks?

Louis Vuitton was not the only French designer manufacturing steamer trunks at the turn of the 20th century. Another well-known and collectible French designer is Goyard. Goyard was established in 1853, just one year before Louis Vuitton opened his doors. While the company began under the leadership of Francois Goyard, many rectangular steamer trunks, circa 1900, were created under the authority of Edmond Goyard (1860–1937). Goyard is known for its signature chevron canvas. Similar to Louis Vuitton, it is important to take a look at the hardware and interior stitching. As Goyard was also a high end producer, the hardware should be engraved or embossed, and the interior should have the original stitched Goyard strapwork.

Again, if you are unsure if your trunk is an authentic Louis Vuitton or Goyard example, it is advisable to send photographs to a knowledgeable gallery. It is also imperative that you purchase trunks from trustworthy galleries, and ask for additional photographs. A reliable gallery will be happy to address and questions or concerns you may have about a piece.

This August at Clars we are excited to offer a collection of fine souvenirs, ephemera and art from the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition (PPIE) in San Francisco.

Decorative Arts – August 17th

The Warehouse Auction is offering an extensive and fine private collection of items from the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition (PPIE) in San Francisco. The collection includes original glass Novagems, sterling trophies, exhibit items, enamel pins, and watch fobs, as well as Panama Canal memorabilia. Felt pennants, photographs, and presentation articles related to exposition president Charles C Moore, San Francisco mayor James Rolph, Jr., and United States President William Howard Taft are also available. Complementing the historical collection, this monthly sale also boasts a wide array of contemporary and antique furniture, decorative arts, and rugs.

Fine Art – August 16th

On August 16th at Clars Auctions we are excited to feature a collection of unique and stunning illustrations created for stage scenery set designs. These designs are a rare and remarkable find and are in excellent condition over 100 years after their construction. The collection includes dozens of gouache set designs for stage productions — hand painted on paper with velvet and wood accents — as well as printed mock-ups and original Charles F. Thompson lightboxes used for display.

The company responsible for these models, the Charles F. Thompson Scenic Company, was based in Hollywood, California and was a respected producer of fine set design. The highly detailed illustrations include architectural elements from Greco-Roman columns to fanciful Art Deco configurations reminiscent of the Emerald City in the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz. Other selections from this group include adjustable greenery and curtains, surreal figural scenes, and modern cityscapes showing streets lined with early 20th century high-rises, department stores, and colorful advertisements for ice cream shops and radios.

A charming aspect of several of these models is their semi-transparent construction which can be enjoyed using a lightbox. When placed in front of a backlighting device, the buildings’ windows, streetlights, and neon signs glow with a naturalistic luminosity that imbues the once-lifeless designs with a romantic sense of nostalgia.

Another standout among the collection is a beautiful three-panel rendering of the Tower of Jewels, a grand structure that was built specially for the Panama-Pacific International Exposition and was demolished shortly after its end. The Tower was built using staff — a mixture of plaster and burlap — with jewel-toned glass panels that were illuminated from the inside and cast a colorful radiance over the courtyard. In this illustration, the Tower is depicted in meticulous detail with applied glitter detail highlighting the tiered pinnacle. A palatial fountain decorates the courtyard, and visitors marvel at their surroundings. The ephemeral nature of the Tower of Jewels makes depictions like this one, painted during its metaphorical lifetime, a precious and historic artefact. Each of these renderings is an exquisite fragment of early 20th century American artistry and a memento of a treasured moment in the history of San Francisco.

Mr. Stephen Schwartz and Stephen’s Antiques are recognized antiques dealers and advanced collectors known nationwide.

Originally based in Tiburon, CA, they sold investment grade European Decorative Art and select Furniture from coast to coast. Their largest public sale is a rare 18th century porcelain mounted salon table that sold for a staggering $2.4M in 1998. Mr. Schwartz helped numerous clients build very well curated collections that are still highly regarded.

Clars Auctions is please to present a selection from their exclusive collection, featuring formal French furniture, 19th-century bronze sculptures, ormolu-mounted marble clocks, and KPM porcelain plaques in our January 18th auction. Each piece is a testament to the discerning taste of the Schwartz family, showcasing their distinctive blend of European sophistication.