Vintage monogram canvas suitcase by Louis Vuitton, France 1970

Charming Louis Vuitton hard case, mid to late 20th century, with the famous monogram canvas on the outside and brass hardware. A beautiful piece to use today or as a decorative object for the home. A little history about Louis Vuitton trunks: Louis Vuitton was born in 1821 to a farmer and a milliner. He came from a long-established working-class family in eastern France. Vuitton grew up watching his family and understanding the effects of perseverance and a strong work ethic. At the age of 16, he decided to walk 292 miles from his hometown to Paris in an attempt to forge a new life. By the time he arrived, the city was in the throes of industrialization, and modes of transport were rapidly evolving to accommodate longer journeys. The need for sturdy travel goods was born. Vuitton apprenticed with a renowned box maker and packer, Monsieur Maréchal. He learned how to make durable containers and pack them properly - a highly respected profession at the time. In 1854, years after mastering his craft and gaining respect, Vuitton set up on his own, opening a store on rue Neuve des Capucines. It was here that he began to make his mark as a luggage manufacturer. Then, in 1858, Vuitton designed the first Louis Vuitton steamer trunk. At the time, trunks had a rounded top to allow water to drain away, but this did not allow for practical storage. Vuitton proposed a flat but waterproof trunk that could be easily stacked. The first trunks were fitted with a gray canvas called Trianon - it was not until several decades later that the monogram was introduced. With business booming, Vuitton moves his family and workplace to Asniere, where he employs twenty workers to manufacture his trunks. By 1900, he employed 100 people, and by 1914, the company had more than doubled in size. After years of success, Vuitton began to experiment with luggage design, introducing a new striped canvas pattern (1876) and, later, the ever-popular Damier print (1888). Hand-painted motifs were developed to avoid counterfeiting. Even in the late 1800s, Louis Vuitton was a status symbol important enough to justify counterfeiting. In 1886, his son George invented and patented an ingenious locking system that made it impossible to pick the lock on their trunks. This lock is still in use today. 1892 was a year of mourning for the family, as Louis Vuitton died at the age of 70. His son, Georges Vuitton, takes over as head of the luxury house. Louis Vuitton's death prompted his son to redesign his luggage once again. In 1896, as a tribute to his father, the LV monogram was introduced, adorned with LV, quatrefoils and flowers. Under his direction, the emblematic monogram became a hit with an elite clientele. Reference : 297475