Travel trunk





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Master marquetry craftswoman with 4 years' expert experience. Trainee auctioneer at Sotheby's Paris.
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Description from the seller
Large-format antique travel trunk – Late 19th century (c. 1880–1900)
Magnificent original travel trunk from the late 19th century, belonging to the golden era of major rail and steamship travel.
This is a large specimen (approx. 112 x 62 x 31 cm), flat-topped steamer trunk designed to be stacked during transoceanic journeys. Its presence is imposing and makes it an ideal piece for both collection and interior decoration.
Key features:
Era: circa 1880–1900
Origin: Europe (likely France or surrounding area)
Materials: solid wood frame, leather/fall leather upholstery dyed in honey tone, reinforced with wood and iron hardware
Original hardware: corner brackets, locks, and rivets preserved
Plaque with the original owner's initials, adding historical character and authenticity
Original interior in wood
Status:
The trunk is in its original condition, with wear appropriate for its age (over 120 years), which gives it an authentic patina highly valued by collectors.
Shows normal signs of exterior use and interior wear, without compromising its structural solidity.
Historical context:
These types of trunks were used during the expansion of railway and maritime transport in the 19th century. Its flat design allowed optimization of space in ship holds and train cars, making it an essential item for long-distance travelers.
Current use:
Today it is a highly valued piece as:
Vintage decorative element
Coffee table or bedside table
Collectible object
Notes:
Completely original piece, not restored, keeping all its historical elements.
A unique opportunity to acquire an authentic witness to 19th-century travel history, with strong aesthetic presence and decorative value.
Seller's Story
Large-format antique travel trunk – Late 19th century (c. 1880–1900)
Magnificent original travel trunk from the late 19th century, belonging to the golden era of major rail and steamship travel.
This is a large specimen (approx. 112 x 62 x 31 cm), flat-topped steamer trunk designed to be stacked during transoceanic journeys. Its presence is imposing and makes it an ideal piece for both collection and interior decoration.
Key features:
Era: circa 1880–1900
Origin: Europe (likely France or surrounding area)
Materials: solid wood frame, leather/fall leather upholstery dyed in honey tone, reinforced with wood and iron hardware
Original hardware: corner brackets, locks, and rivets preserved
Plaque with the original owner's initials, adding historical character and authenticity
Original interior in wood
Status:
The trunk is in its original condition, with wear appropriate for its age (over 120 years), which gives it an authentic patina highly valued by collectors.
Shows normal signs of exterior use and interior wear, without compromising its structural solidity.
Historical context:
These types of trunks were used during the expansion of railway and maritime transport in the 19th century. Its flat design allowed optimization of space in ship holds and train cars, making it an essential item for long-distance travelers.
Current use:
Today it is a highly valued piece as:
Vintage decorative element
Coffee table or bedside table
Collectible object
Notes:
Completely original piece, not restored, keeping all its historical elements.
A unique opportunity to acquire an authentic witness to 19th-century travel history, with strong aesthetic presence and decorative value.
