Louis Vuitton Travel Trunk with Bar

Trunk with a Fitted Bar
Louis Vuitton
Trunk circa mid-20th century with interior added later

This 20th-century Louis Vuitton travel trunk with a fitted bar is a striking testament to the glamour of its era. Wrapped in the iconic monogram canvas, it reflects the brand’s enduring heritage, while leather trim and brass hardware underscore Louis Vuitton’s dedication to refined craftsmanship. Complete with a fully functional bar, it is the ultimate accessory for elevated entertaining.

Opening the trunk reveals its most captivating feature: a fully appointed interior bar. The interior provides a luxurious backdrop for custom compartments that hold a Christofle ice bucket, Parisian cocktail shaker, bar spoon with muddler, French bar tongs, a double jigger, cocktail picks, and cut-crystal glassware including coupes, highballs and tumblers. Ingeniously designed, the case also features a pull-out wooden shelf that serves as both a workspace and additional bottle storage.

This trunk carries a rich historical narrative, reminiscent of the golden age of travel. Once a common sight in opulent cabins and plush train compartments, this trunk is the perfect storied object for the home.

Renowned across the globe as the first premier luxury goods purveyor, Louis Vuitton first opened his doors in 1854, and among his first customers was the Empress Eugénie. His trunks were always impeccably crafted, with the finest leather, canvas and brass trim. Vuitton first made his mark with the creation of the flat-top steamer trunk and the wardrobe trunk. Flat-top trunks, unlike earlier rounded-top trunks, made cargo packing and stacking much easier. Thanks to the lined compartments and sectioned interiors, travelers could pack delicate clothing without fear of damage in transit. To own such a trunk during the late 19th and early 20th century meant that one was able to travel abroad, something only the most affluent individuals did. A master of marketing, Vuitton passed his attention to detail to his son Georges, who created the iconic LV logo in 1896 after his father’s death. This was ostensibly the very first designer logo, implemented to prevent counterfeiting.

Marked "Louis Vuitton Ave Marceau 78 bis Paris / Nice 2 Ave De Suede" with serial number

Alcohol not included

On base: 45“ high x 23 5/8” wide x 30 5/8“ deep

The bar includes:
Ice bucket stamped for Gallia Christofle
A cocktail shaker
A bar spoon with a muddler
A French cocktail bar tong
One double-size jigger
Six cocktail picks
Four cut crystal tumblers marked RIEDEL
Four cut crystal highballs marked RIEDEL
Four coupe glasses marked Spiegelau