Christie’s continues its Louis Vuitton series with Legendary Trunks: Part II, running online from 19 June to 1 July. The sale offers around 100 lots that highlight the rarity and craftsmanship of the luxury trunks the Maison has produced since the late 19th century. The first edition, Legendary Trunks: A European Private Collection, achieved 2.4 million euros in July 2024, twice its high estimate.
From a 36-pair shoe trunk to a trunk bed and classic cabin trunks, each piece illustrates the craftsmanship and innovation of the malletier. The overall estimate for this second edition is between €600,000 and €900,000. Lucile Andreani, EMEA Head of Department for Handbags at Christie’s, noted that the trunks appeal to a wide range of buyers, from collectors to design enthusiasts, and that their allure lies in their history, their ability to evoke different eras, and their patina, which is particularly prized on the secondary market.
Among the highlights are two explorer trunks made of aluminium, zinc and copper, materials chosen to resist extreme climates, estimated at €40,000 to €60,000 each. A rare secretary desk trunk likely belonged to Louise Arner Boyd, the American explorer and first woman to fly over the North Pole. Notable for its Monogram canvas, solid brass hardware, lozine and leather finishes and folding desktop, it is estimated at €10,000 to €15,000.
The selection also includes an ingenious cigar case in Monogram canvas with sliding drawers, a golf trunk in Damier checkerboard canvas, and a rare military trunk bed bearing the initials J. T., made of green-painted wood with brass and black-lacquered iron fittings, estimated at €8,000 to €10,000. A trunk known as the Lily Pons, named after the French-American opera singer and designed in 1920 to hold up to 36 pairs of shoes, sold last June for €52,920 against an estimate of €15,000 to €20,000.
A preview exhibition will be held from 21 to 26 June at Christie’s, 9 avenue Matignon, Paris VIII.
(Press Release)
