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Closet Find: 1926 Louis Vuitton Train Case

Don’t worry, there’s a good reason this is on Barn Finds! Before Louis Vuitton became a famous fashion brand, they produced trunks. You know, the kind you strapped onto the back of your motor car! You may not remember those days, but people used to carry their luggage on the outside of their vehicles – hence the “trunk” reference we use today. This particular one was meant for the train, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it saw some automotive action too. Find it here on eBay where bidding is up to $1,600 with no reserve!

Here’s an example of what a “trunk” once was. This was Fred Astair’s Rolls-Royce and it featured an LV motoring trunk on the back! You can read more about Fred’s sweet ride here on The Rake. When Louis Vuitton went into business in the mid-1800’s most of the automotive trunks were rounded on top, so he built his flat so they could be stacked. They were lighter and easier to move around too. He also came up with the now iconic LV pattern that helped his trunks stand out from the crowd.

Check out the details on the lock and latches. These things were high-quality and it’s crazy to think this was put together over ninety years ago! The seller claims this one was meant to haul men’s shirts and that it was purchased new from Arthur Gilmore Inc. in New York City. It’s not perfect, but in very good condition considering the age. The price may seem high, but new LV purses go for that much and more!

Get a load of the luggage fitted to the back of this Bentley! This car is special enough by itself, but those suitcases might as well be filled with cash because they add a lot of value. This car sold for big bucks a few years back. You can view more photos here on BBC. The canvas used on these trunks had to be tough enough to withstand the elements and it just so happened to be the perfect material for women’s handbags when the trunk market dried up. Turns out there’s a lot more to this high fashion brand than overpriced sunglasses. So, next time your wife asks you to get her a Louis Vuitton, I bet you’ll actually consider it!

Comments

  1. Avatar NotSure

    She can have the bag (or two!). As long as I can have the car…

    Like 6
  2. Avatar Coventrycat

    Bentley Beverly Hillbillies with glorified Samsonite. How posh.

    Like 2
    • Avatar Brakeservo

      Yes I am sure it’s a Bentley Special but so what? They’re still fun cars. More interesting than the staid saloon it may have started life as.

      Like 0
  3. HoA Howard A Member

    Oh, oh, I see a Barn Finds/American Pickers crossover here,,,

    Like 2
  4. Avatar OhU8one2

    So what’s next? I know, Recaro baby seat’s.

    Like 3
    • Avatar Jesse Mortensen Staff

      Actually, Recaro did make baby seats for a while and they were great!

      Like 4
  5. Avatar Smokey Member

    H E Y ………..America’s Antique Road Show and Barn Finds…….I love it,…………..What the Heck, eh?

    Like 2
  6. Avatar U.K. Paul 🇬🇧

    Really interesting, thank you!

    Like 3
  7. Avatar Fred W

    “When Louis Vuitton went into business in the mid-1800’s most of the automotive trunks were rounded on top…”

    And then the automobile was invented.

    Like 7
    • Avatar PatrickM

      Actually, the initial statement is most likely true, as folks traveling in this country then were moving by wagon train or stage coach. I once heard a statement that still rings true,”Engage brain before running mouth.” Everything you said is true, even though I am sure you were attempting to be sarcastic, I think you missed the mark.

      Like 0
  8. Avatar Tom71mustangs Member

    I see and appreciate the connection to the site. Interesting!

    Like 3
  9. Avatar leiniedude Member

    Pretty cool. I wonder if D.F.R. had the green and gold stripes put on to match the colors of what they were going to use it with? Maybe on the back of a BRG MG TD.

    Like 1
  10. Avatar Derek

    Was the older Louis Vuitton stuff not red and white stripes? I saw a dining set in a striped trunk fitted to a Hispano-Suiza at Retromobile some years ago; fairly sure it was LV…

    Like 0
  11. Avatar Fireman DK

    Too posh for my Model T Speedster… just have to go with the leather suitcase or a wicker Pic-a -nica Basket ! I would however , nit mind finding a stash of these just for there resale value…..

    Like 1
  12. Avatar Vudutu

    I once had the privilege of owning a 58 Porsche speedster, yellow, with a trunk rack. It came with a German wicker picnic basket stocked with everything you would expect the Germans would outfit it with.
    Never should have parted with that car.

    Like 3
  13. Avatar leiniedude Member

    Wow! I’m with ya on finding that stash Fireman DK. Ended: May 05, 2019 , 6:44PM
    Winning bid:US $2,127.00
    [ 67 bids ]

    Like 0

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