How Does Louis Vuitton Make Money

Courtesy of Hermitage Antiques

In 1854, French designer Louis Vuitton introduced high-end steamer trunks and wardrobes. When these rare vintage examples are found in mint condition with all interior parts intact, prices are high. Styles include (top to bottom): monogrammed canvas steamer trunks (c. 1920; $28,000), orange-fabric cabin trunks (c. 1900; $9,500), monogrammed canvas wardrobes (c. 1920; $20,500).

Valued at: $9,500–$28,000

*The estimates provided are preliminary only and subject to change based on firsthand inspection and further research. Appraisal prices refer to an item's fair market value, or what one might expect to pay for an object of similar age, size, color, and condition at auction.

Brass hardware on a vintage Louis Vuitton steamer trunk.

Amy Benson

What Is It?

In the 1850s, Parisian boxmaker Louis Vuitton began designing luxurious compartmental trunks. By 1858, Vuitton impressed his wealthy clientele by introducing the first flattop slat trunk. Prior to his new design, trunks featured dome lids, which were hard to stack aboard ships. The flattops incorporated poplar frames, embossed coated canvas, and brass hardware with a patented tumbler lock, and they were customized with a client's initials.

What to Look For

"Purchase trunks from a reputable antiques dealer who can highlight any special features or restorations on a vintage trunk," says Debra Manning, vice president of Hermitage Antiques in Dallas. Condition is key, because examples were used for travel. Many still contain the original hangers, drawers, and storage boxes. In 1922, a wardrobe was on sale for $115 to $150. Today prices start at $1,500 for vintage trunks in mediocre condition and $7,000 for ones in good shape.

This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io