Luggage by the Parisian firm Louis Vuitton recently made a cameo appearance in the hit film "Titanic." As the first-class passengers board the ship, a stack of brown and tan Vuitton luggage, instantly recognizable by its embossed "LV" monogram, is wheeled aboard by an attendant.
In the movie as well as in real life, Vuitton luggage has always symbolized luxury, quality, adventure and romance. Its trunks, bags and custom pieces have accompanied exceptional men and women on their travels.
The company continues as one of the world's foremost makers of fine travel luggage and leather goods. But as old luggage has become a hot collectible, older Vuitton pieces have become even more valuable.
Founder Louis Vuitton's life and career seemed to be synchronistic with the world's introduction to travel as a fashionable experience. But his arrival in Paris in 1837, at 16, was humble. Penniless, he had to walk the entire way from his native village in the Jura mountains. Vuitton became an apprentice packer and was sent to the houses of elegant ladies to pack their clothes before they traveled.
In 1854, Vuitton opened his own shop in Paris. As travel by rail became more popular, Vuitton designed canvas-covered trunks in new shapes--long and flat so that they could be piled in luggage vans, superseding the heavy domed luggage of the 18th Century. He invented the modern suitcase around 1865 and had the idea of using wood for the frame, thus creating luggage that was both lighter and stronger than pieces made of wood bodies with iron hoops and big, domed lids.
Vuitton's canvas was widely copied, so he decided to cover his trunks with a striped material in beige and brown tones. In its turn, the striped canvas also was imitated, so in 1888 Vuitton switched to a checkered material. For the first time his signature, L. Vuitton, appeared at regular intervals on the cloth.
Exasperated by imitations, Vuitton's son Georges Vuitton introduced the now famous "Monogram" canvas in 1896, featuring his father's initials against a background of stylized flowers and stars, the same pattern used today.
In 1959, Gaston Vuitton, son of Georges and grandson of Louis, perfected a new system for coating his motif fabric, leading to a series of soft luggage pieces that answered the need for modern luggage that is light, practical, waterproof, strong and functional.
In the past decade, 150 Vuitton stores have opened in major cities around the world (there is one in Water Tower Place in Chicago).
What to look for
Condition is important to the value of a piece, says Jacqui Farina, visual merchandising manager for Louis Vuitton North America and curator of the company's own antiques collection. Vuitton pieces made before the 1950s are the most highly prized.
One of the firm's most famous creations is the standing wardrobe, with space for hanging and compartments. It first was made in 1875; today it is one of the most prized of luggage collectibles.
A five-tumbler lock with serial number, still on today's luggage, was patented by Vuitton in 1890. It was designed so travelers have only one key for all luggage and is important to the collector as a means of authentication.
What to avoid
Eunice Bietz of Portland, Ore., a collector who works in the Louis Vuitton department of the Saks Fifth Avenue store there, says one way to determine authentic pieces is that as a general rule, the monogram was never cut through.
Her husband, Dr. Duane Bietz, recommends getting to know the catalog well. Manufacturers of fakes will produce a bag in a style that Vuitton never made, he says.
"Every little rivet has to have the LV imprint on it," he adds. "The locks all have the LV and a number."
Trunks made before 1930 have a registration number in ink on an inside label; those made after 1930 have printed numbers.
Forecast
Vuitton luggage is available on a regular basis at auction houses.
"A big trunk (of new vintage) in good condition will sell for $500 to $600," says Chris Coy, head of Coy-Krupp Sales in Chicago, which conducts estate sales.
Early steamer trunks sell for more, around $2,000.
Two Vuitton suitcases, "probably from the early 1920s," recently sold for $575 each at the Antiques Center, 220 W. Kinzie St., says owner Elizabeth Keim.
Handle with care
Vuitton luggage always should be stored in a dry place and away from sunlight, to prevent drying of the leather trim. Once the leather dries out, there is little remedy, Farina says.
Any good brass cleaner can be used to polish the brass hardware. On pieces made since the 1950s, use a damp cloth to remove dust.
Many people use Vuitton trunks and suitcases as co*cktail, coffee and side tables, and Farina suggests putting glass tops on these pieces to protect them from spills and other damage.
Resources
Farina says she buys pieces for the firm's antiques collection "from private sources throughout the country," and recommends checking newspapers that cater to the antiques business.
To learn more
Collectors can write to Farina to ask for the history of a certain piece. The firm can authenticate when a trunk was made. Write: Louis Vuitton N.A. Inc., 130 E. 59th St., New York, N.Y. 10022; or call 212-572-9700.
FAQs
Is there ever a time when vintage luggage is the way to go? Yes! If you are planning a trip by car, and will do very little walking with your luggage, then you can opt for an outdated suitcase. It'll be fun and quirky, you'll save money, and you might even get some compliments for being unique!
What is vintage luggage worth? ›
Vintage Luggage Values
Vintage luggage are rather unique collector's items in that you can find pieces for as little as $5 and as much as $5,000 depending on their quality, age, and most importantly, their brand.
Was there Louis Vuitton luggage on the Titanic? ›
It was reported that a Louis Vuitton bag was the only luggage to survive the sinking Titanic. Sunk to the sea bottom, the contents of the luggage was still in good condition mainly due to LV's superior waterproofing and seam sealing.
Does anyone want old suitcases? ›
Other organizations you can check out are Luggage of Love and Bags4Kids. If there aren't any locations in your area, check local shelters for women and the homeless, or even Goodwill.
What are vintage suitcases called? ›
1 Answer. Large old-fashioned suitcases made of wood, leather and metal are called steamer trunks.
What is the oldest luggage brand? ›
Holding the title of the world's oldest luggage brand, travelers have been trusting the expertise of Samsonite for over one hundred years.
What is the oldest luxury luggage brand? ›
Swaine London is one of the oldest luxury brands in the world, Globe Trotter has been making handcrafted products in England since 1897 and B Hemmings & Co is the largest Globe Trotter dealer in the world, Hartmann is another brand that has been around since 1877 and the store has been carrying the brand now for 15 ...
What is the oldest suitcase brand? ›
John Pound, John Pound and CO, The oldest luggage brand in the world, 1823, London, | Luggage brands, Old luggage, Leather.
What is the most expensive item from the Titanic? ›
The most valuable single item onboard the Titanic was, however, a 1912 painting by Merry-Joseph Blondel, La Circassienne au bain. Based on the insurance claim made after the fact, the work was estimated to be $100,000, equivalent to just over $3 million dollars today.
What luxury brand was known for making luggage? ›
Originating in France in 1854, Louis Vuitton has become synonymous with opulence and high fashion. Their signature Monogram and Damier canvas patterns grace their range of luxurious luggage, crafted with the finest materials to ensure both durability and ageless sophistication.
Quality Materials and Craftsmanship
One of the main reasons why Louis Vuitton products are so expensive is because of the quality of materials used in their production. Louis Vuitton bags are made from high-quality canvas and leathers that are carefully selected for its durability and beauty.
How do you get old smell out of vintage luggage? ›
VINTAGE VETERANS' TOP TIPS
Stuff your vintage suitcase with newspaper and leave it for a week or two to get those good, odor-absorbing properties going. Refresh the newspaper every few days if needed. 2. Use coffee beans to get rid of the old, musty smells.
What is vintage luggage made of? ›
So what are vintage suitcases made from? The earliest forms were bulky and often produced from premium leather, wood and featured heavy iron bases.
What happens to unclaimed luggage? ›
(NewsNation) — Have you ever wondered what happens to unclaimed luggage? After 90 days, if no one claims the luggage, it's sold to an unclaimed baggage center where the items inside are resold. If the passenger's bag is truly lost, airlines pay out a claim to the passenger.
What is the lifespan of a suitcase? ›
How long luggage lasts depends on multiple factors, including how often you travel, the quality of your luggage, and how well you care for your suitcases and bags. High-quality, durable luggage can last for over a decade of frequent use. Less well-made bags have much shorter lifespans.
What do I do if I find a suitcase full of money? ›
These laws usually require that a person who finds money, especially larger amounts (for example, $100 or more), turn it over to the local police.
Can you paint vintage suitcases? ›
When painting my suitcase in my color of choice (usually white, because I love white vintage luggage), I start by paint the bottom half. I let that dry and then turn it over and paint the remaining sides and lid. It adds an extra step but painting a vintage suitcase is a quick job that doesn't take a lot of time.
What do Americans call suitcases? ›
baggage Definitions and Synonyms
mainly Americanthe suitcases, bags etc in which you carry your possessions when you travel. The usual British word is luggage.
What are the two types of luggage? ›
There are two baggage types: Checked luggage and carry-on or also referred to as cabin/hand luggage. Personal belongings on board are referred to as hand luggage (cabin baggage), luggage delivered to an airline to be stored in an inaccessible area to the passenger during the flights is referred to as checked baggage.
What is the most famous luggage company? ›
Samsonite earns our top spot for the best luggage brand because it has a wide assortment for every preference — from business travelers to vacationers — and has continuously proven to be high quality as we've tested it over the years.
Most Durable Carry-On Luggage
Leave it to Samsonite, one of our favorite legacy travel brands, to crack the code on the most durable hard-shell construction for suitcases. First of all, this carry-on comes in a 100% polypropylene exterior, the sturdiest plastic material out there.
What is the biggest luggage brand in the world? ›
Who is the largest luggage brand in the world? Samsonite is arguably the biggest luggage brand in the world, or more specifically, its parent company, Samsonite International S.A. The company owns several brands, including Samsonite, Tumi, American Tourister, Hartmann, Gregory, and High Sierra.
What luggage do the rich use? ›
Louis Vuitton
Unmistakably recognizable for its charismatic approach to modern luggage, this valuable luxury brand started production in 1871 and forged its name for high end craftsmanship and sophistication.
What is the most expensive luggage in the world? ›
Which made us wonder, what is the world's most expensive luggage? According to Forbes, Louis Vuitton takes the cake, even without Taylor's influence. An armoire trunk, wardrobe trunk, steamer trunk, four matching suitcases, a hat box, cruiser bag and a jewelry case will just cost you $601,340 USD. Pfft, no big deal.
Do vintage bags have serial numbers? ›
Vintage bags from before the 1980s often didn't have serial numbers. (Though some do). Some pebbled leather bags from the 1990s, including Dakotas and some Sheridans, didn't have serial numbers.
Who are the largest suitcase manufacturers? ›
Samsonite International S.A. (SEHK: 1910) is a luggage manufacturer and retailer, with products ranging from large suitcases to small toiletries bags and briefcases. The company was founded in Denver, Colorado, United States. Its registered office is in Luxembourg and it is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
Did rolling suitcases exist in the 80s? ›
The Rollaboard was invented in 1987 by Robert Plath, a Northwest Airlines 747 pilot and avid home workshop tinkerer, who affixed two wheels and a long handle to suitcases that rolled upright, rather than being towed flat like Mr. Sadow's four-wheeled models. Mr.
How many suitcases are stolen each year? ›
Out of the 28 million mishandled bags, 5% are lost each year. This means that there are 1.4 million lost luggage every year.
What was the cheapest class on Titanic? ›
The Titanic and her sister Olympic offered the finest and most luxurious first-class accommodations to be found on any contemporary ocean liner. The cheapest first class fare was in a standard cabin and cost around £30 (equivalent to £3,200 in 2021).
How much was $20 in Titanic? ›
$20 in 1912 is equivalent in purchasing power to about $627.07 today, an increase of $607.07 over 111 years.
A necklace unseen for more than 100 years has been discovered in the wreck of the Titanic. Guernsey-based deep-sea mapping firm Magellan captured images of gold jewellery featuring the tooth of a Megalodon, a pre-historic shark.
What luggage do the Kardashians use? ›
One brand, it seems, reigns supreme with the It-crowd and that's Louis Vuitton. From the entire Kardashian clan to the Hadid sisters, it's fair to guess the highest concentration of LV-embossed bags and suitcases likely resides in Los Angeles.
What luggage do influencers use? ›
If you've spent more than a minute on Instagram, then you've for sure noticed that Away luggage is most influencers' suitcase of choice. Over the past few years, the luggage company has exploded, surpassing big brand names in the space like Samsonite and Tumi.
Is Tumi considered luxury? ›
Tumi is a luxury luggage brand with exceptionally innovative designs and the patents to prove it. Plus, all suitcases are backed by a five-year warranty.
How much should a Louis Vuitton bag cost? ›
The price range of Louis Vuitton is from around $1,100 to about $6,000. Vintage purse prices vary depending on the condition of the purse and how popular a collector's item it is.
Is Louis Vuitton luggage a good investment? ›
However, for those on a tighter budget or who don't place as much emphasis on style and luxury, other luggage brands may provide a better value. Overall, Louis Vuitton luggage may be expensive, but its quality and longevity make it a worthwhile investment for those who prioritize luxury and durability in their luggage.
How can you tell if Louis Vuitton luggage is real? ›
Louis Vuitton does not come with any authenticity cards. In order to tell if the bag is real, manufacturer places a unique stamp with a place and date code on the inside of the purse. Nowadays LV bags are not only produced in France, but also in the USA, Italy, Switzerland, Germany and Spain.
How do you clean luggage from a thrift store? ›
Whether you have hard or soft luggage, your disinfectant can be the same: hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol. Reichert advises wiping down the entire suitcase with either. Fill a spray bottle with hydrogen peroxide and spray liberally on hard-faced luggage.
How do you store luggage so it doesn't smell? ›
Place a small container of baking soda in your suitcase to absorb odors. Hang clothes outside to air out before packing them in your suitcase. Place a sachet of lavender or another fragrant herb in your suitcase. Wrap smelly items in plastic bags before packing them in your suitcase.
How do I clean an old vintage suitcase? ›
For MOST vintage suitcases, wiping down with a damp rag and then vigorously rubbing any remaining marks or stains with a Magic Eraser* will remove 90% of marks. The magic eraser does fantastic job cleaning vintage suitcases.
Most hard-shell luggage comes in the classic clamshell design, where a zipper down the middle opens the case in an even, 50/50 split. That way, you can pack both sides evenly to create an equal weight distribution.
Are vintage suitcases worth money? ›
Vintage Luggage Values
Vintage luggage are rather unique collector's items in that you can find pieces for as little as $5 and as much as $5,000 depending on their quality, age, and most importantly, their brand.
Do airlines prefer hard or soft luggage? ›
“Almost all U.S. airline crew members use soft-sided roll-aboard bags,” Patrick Smith, airline pilot, air travel blogger, and author, tells Reader's Digest.
When should you get rid of luggage? ›
5 Signs It's Time to Replace Your Travel Bag
- It's not stowable. Today, travel is all about the carry-on experience. ...
- It's falling apart on the outside. ...
- It's falling apart on the inside. ...
- It doesn't fit your (or your party's) needs. ...
- It's ugly, or you don't like it anymore.
You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes through the checkpoint. These are limited to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. This is also known as the 3-1-1 liquids rule.
