This most interesting Louis Vuitton trunk is a remarkable piece of LV history. It was a gentleman’s shirt trunk of the highest caliber, indicated by the interior being lined with satin and ecru ribbons, as well as the bottom of the trunk being lined with zinc. The zinc bottom was used in only the best trunks made by LV (at a most exquisite price for the turn of the 20th century) because it provided excellent insulation, was insect proof, and also protected the contents from water.
The label dates this trunk circa 1898, as it mentions the prizes won by Louis Vuitton at exhibitions in London in 1885 and 1890, and in Paris in 1889. The striped pattern is the second oldest pattern used by Louis Vuitton, the first being the plain gray canvas. The striped pattern was introduced in 1872 and was available in red, and in 1876, the options of maroon and beige striped fabric became available.
