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T. Anthony

The Classicist: The Timeless Luxury of Vintage Luggage

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Auctions, The Classicist


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.





T. Anthony Alligator Desk Set

Filed under: Men's Style


In the electronic age the elegant executive's desk set is something of a throwback to a more Mad Men-ish era. In December we wrote about Bottega Veneta's luxe sterling silver version. Now Manhattan luxury luggage and leather goods company T. Anthony has come out with an even more luxurious set in genuine Louisiana alligator skin (above). Available by special order only with a production time of up to three months, the price depends on the market for the exotic leather, but was recently quoted at $13,000. Available in brown with polished gold fittings or black with polished nickel fittings, the set consists of a document tray, blotter, letter opener, scissors, memo pad holder and pencil cup. T. Anthony, founded in 1946, has a rich history of making custom luggage and travel items for the likes of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Marilyn Monroe and Jackie Onassis.

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