The Classicist: The Timeless Luxury of Vintage Luggage
In a Classicist column last summer we reminisced about the the golden age of motoring when one would embark on an automobile journey with elegant picnic and cocktails cases carefully stowed in the boot of the car. On May 19th we'll get another glimpse into the bygone era of traveling in true style when Christie's London South Kensington branch auctions off an amazing selection of vintage Hermès, Louis Vuitton and Dunhill luggage. With the favorable exchange rates currently in effect it's an enticing opportunity to build a collection with lasting value, while truly timeless luxury items are more appealing than ever.
"Harking back to a golden age of travel, vintage luggage encapsulates the glamor and decadence of a bygone era when journeying to a foreign land involved adventure, romance and style," notes Christie's' Director of Textiles Pat Frost. "These exquisitely crafted pieces evoke a time when the journey was as important as the destination. With iconic names including Louis Vuitton, Dunhill and Hermes leading the field and remaining very collectible they not only functional but design objects in their own right."
Highlights of the sale include two cream colored canvas and leather suitcases by Hermès from the mid-20th century, monogrammed "APW", estimated at about $2,200 - $3,000; two fine black cases by Dunhill and T. Anthony, the first of black leather in semi-circular form with one fitted tray and gunmetal hardware, the second of black fabric with leather strapping, lined in moire with various pockets and gilt hardware, est. at about $1,200 - $1,500; and a monogram hard-side case and cover by Louis Vuitton (above) with a beautiful patina to the the leather handle, est. at about $900 - $1,200.
We've been interested in vintage luggage for many years and have amassed a modest collection, including some alligator and crocodile skin cases and beautiful Vuitton pieces with hand-painted heraldic motifs and racing colors. Anyone interested in collecting similar items or merely reading more about them should try to find a copy of Helenka Gulshan's brilliant book Vintage Luggage, originally published in 1998. There's currently one copy available on Amazon for $135.
"Individual items of luggage are both poignant documents of social history and records of the methods of carriage of a particular time," Gulshan notes, citing the "sense of substance" they provide. And don't spread it around, but one of our favorite resources is an eBay seller from the UK who goes by the name mancitynut, who usually has a great selection of vintage luggage and other related items. Just don't bid on anything we want.
"Individual items of luggage are both poignant documents of social history and records of the methods of carriage of a particular time," Gulshan notes, citing the "sense of substance" they provide. And don't spread it around, but one of our favorite resources is an eBay seller from the UK who goes by the name mancitynut, who usually has a great selection of vintage luggage and other related items. Just don't bid on anything we want.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
ADS Apr 15th 2009 12:17AM
can we get a link to the christie's auction? The sale does not appear to be on their site.
JPS Apr 15th 2009 8:20AM
There is no online catalog for the auction yet. You can see it listed under the Calendar section on Christie's' website:
http://www.christies.com/calendar/?month=5&year=2009
Auction details are: Tues. 19th 10:30 am & 2pm
South Kensington Christie's Interiors