Auction announcements
09th May 2014
Lot 108: There are traces of restorations, the lining of all drawers is renewed, as well as the cover of the lowest drawer and the cover and two leather clasps of the little suitcase inside.

Leather, wood, brass
France, around 1930
Louis Vuitton (since 1854) – French luxury goods company
Exterior with typical all-over monogram pattern
Yellow interior, partly with typical Louis Vuitton pattern
On one side with lettering ‘Calhoun’
Dimensions: 112 x 55 x 56 cm
Good condition
Provenance: Private collection, Munich
A very practical piece of furniture and decorative travel companion; a must-have for any fan of this classic!

This large wardrobe trunk by the luxury brand Louis Vuitton is a timeless classic. The interior is rendered in yellow and partly with the typical Louis Vuitton pattern. On the right side there are five drawers with leather pulls and a shoe compartment below. On the top left there is a pull-out clothes rail above a separate, removable case for toiletries or important documents. Leather edges with brass corners and angles adorn the exterior with all-over monogram pattern, leather handles are attached to the sides. The trunk is intended to be used in an upright position, resting on wooden runners.



The name of the original owner ‘Calhoun’ in yellow and red lettering can be seen on one side. According to the consignor, the suitcase used to belong to the American actor Rory Calhoun (1922-1999), who starred in the comedy ‘How to Marry a Millionaire’ (1953) with Marilyn Monroe.



The trunk is in good condition on the inside, the outside shows the usual signs of wear. The dimensions are 112 x 55 x 56 cm (height x width x depth).



Louis Vuitton (since 1854)

Louis Vuitton (1821-1892) started his training as a bag maker at suitcase manufacturer Monsieur Maréchal in 1837 in Paris. This was essential in times of rough luggage transport on carriages, steam boats or trains. He opened his own shop in 1854 under the name of Louis Vuitton Malletier in Rue Neuve-des-Capucines 4. His modern dirt-resistant and waterproof products were of such good quality, that they were soon in high demand. The frameworks of the trunks were made from wood and metal constructions. 1886 Georges Vuitton (1857-1936), son of the company’s founder, invented the revolutionary locking system that is still used today. The patentedTumber Lock protects the trunk’s content from theft with an innovative locking system with two spring caps. When Louis Vuitton died in 1892, Georges took over the company. It was him who designed and established the iconic LV monogram. The luxury brand is popular worldwide and is one of the leading companies of the world of fashion.