WORLD RECORD: MOST EXPENSIVE LOUIS VUITTON TRUNKS SOLD AT AUCTION

Louis Vuitton... A name known around the globe, one that instantly charms any fashion lover. It has been one of the world's most famous luxury brands for over 170 years, renowned for its vintage handbags as well as its prestigious luxury trunks, which are prized for decoration and relentlessly sought after by collectors worldwide. Although some Louis Vuitton items have sold for higher prices when new (at boutique prices) or in art galleries, at antique dealers, or during private sales between seasoned collectors, we have prepared a ranking of pre-owned Louis Vuitton items sold at auction.

Unveiled on June 20, 2023, during Pharrell Williams' first fashion show, this revamped bag did not go unnoticed.

In yellow crocodile embossed with the monogram, the large chain, as well as the zipper, rivets, and rings are in solid gold.

The small padlock is set with diamonds. This fashion accessory lives up to its name, as its new price is one million dollars.

It is quite simply the most expensive new bag in the world, produced by Louis Vuitton.

The auction market is often dominated by collectors and art enthusiasts who seek unique and historical pieces. The most coveted Louis Vuitton items at auction are often rare objects, notably vintage travel trunks.

These items possess historical and cultural value that transcends their mere utility.

Some trunks can even be considered works of art and fetch considerable sums at auction, far more than a contemporary bag.

Louis Vuitton toiletry cases represent the most chic and luxurious range of the brand. Made with the finest materials, their covering quality and element adjustment are exceptional, surpassing even Hermès.

These "ultra-luxury" items are crafted by the best artisans. As leather craftsmen, we particularly appreciate these luxury cases.

Sold at Sotheby's on December 10, 2020

Sale price : €8,920

Louis Vuitton toiletry set 

Art Deco Torino Men's Crocodile Skin Toiletry Case, Complete with all Original Accessories ordered in 1934.

The case and accessories are in remarkable condition, the brass rivets, lock and clasps retain the original lacquer finish and the richly colored red crocodile skin is superb and intact, having been protected by its lined canvas cover crocodile skin for bad weather. The internal accessories are numerous with eleven silver-capped “Flacon Tof” bottles, a flask and several containers with London hallmarks, the Vuitton stamp and import marks from 1928. There is also a travel brush silver and a stick of soap.

The case is lined in vibrant red Moroccan leather with matching boxes for jewelry, cigarettes and a razor, plus a complete manicure set including a Vuitton corkscrew and boot pulls. The original hair and clothing brushes are antique ivory.

Estimate: €6,000 - €12,000

A Louis Vuitton flower trunk, a mini wooden and paper trunk decorated with the famous monogram, specially designed to gift flowers. This item combines elegance and the joy of giving, embodying the prestige and innovation characteristic of Louis Vuitton.

Sold at Christie's on July 3, 2024

Sale price: €15,120

Louis Vuitton mini floral trunk

circa 1910 

In monogram paper and wood, brass hardware 

With two small leather handles on each side

Dimensions: 28 x 11.5 x 14.5 

Estimate: €4,000 - €6,000

Georges Vuitton, passionate about automobiles, integrated this passion into Louis Vuitton's strategy by creating the first prototype of an automobile trunk in 1897. This toolbox, often made of mahogany, was attached to the car's running board. It could include all the essentials for quick repairs.

Made of varnished wood, it is the epitome of chic. It is also the only Louis Vuitton luggage not covered in canvas.

We are thrilled to have restored this Louis Vuitton toolbox in our Malle2luxe workshop, bringing it back to its original condition. It set a new record for a mahogany toolbox, an unprecedented achievement.

Sold at Christie's on July 3, 2024

Sale price: €40,320

Mahogany tool chest

Louis Vuitton automobile 

Brass hardware 

the interior includes a tray

Dimensions: 59 x 32 x 25.5

Estimate: €4,000 - €6,000

Picnic trunks are rare and emblematic of the luxury house Louis Vuitton, offering a gourmet dining experience with style.

Their aesthetic is undeniable, but they pose a practical challenge: what to do with dirty dishes after the meal? Storing them in the trunk risks damaging the interior, presenting a dilemma for these pieces.

We are proud to have restored this trunk in our workshop, Malle2luxe. It set a new record for a picnic trunk. 

Sold at Christie's on July 3, 2024

Sale price: €44,100

Louis Vuitton Picnic

Trunk Natural cowhide 1908

with the initials "FWH" on the top cover

Dimensions: 54.5 × 17.5 x 30 cm 

Estimate: €6,000 - 8,000

Drawer trunks were rarely sold because they are less suited for travel, offering significantly less storage capacity than a courrier trunk of the same size without drawers. Nevertheless, they are highly sought after by collectors for their great decorative value.

We are proud to have restored this trunk in our workshop, Malle2luxe. It set a new record for a drawer trunk.

Sold at Christie's on July 3, 2024

Sale price: €44,100

Louis Vuitton drawer trunk 1893

Checkered canvas, black lacquered handles

Dimensions: 75 × 57.5 x 49.5 cm 
Estimate: €10,000 - 15,000

Themed trunks, such as secretary trunks, have always captivated many collectors who compete to acquire them. This trunk, inspired by the Stokowski desk, is a perfect example.

We are delighted to have restored this antique Louis Vuitton trunk in our Malle2luxe workshop, returning it to its original state. It broke all auction records for a secretary desk trunk.

Sold at Christie's on July 3, 2024

Sale price: €44,100

Louis Vuitton office trunk

with two leather handles, four brass hooks on each side and name tag

the interior includes a folding and extractable desk, five large drawers, six drawers for

Dimensions: 63.5 cm x 114 cm x 40 cm 

Estimate: €15,000 - €20,000

The rise of outdoor leisure activities in urban and bourgeois society reflects the development of personal leisure. Fishing, unlike hunting, is a leisure sport that allows friends to gather and enjoy weekends. The uniqueness of this fishing rod trunk lies in its length of 188 cm, making it one of the longest antique trunks ever made!

We are proud to have restored this trunk in our workshop, Malle2luxe. It set a new record for a Louis Vuitton fishing rod trunk.

Sold at Christie's on July 3, 2024

Sale price: €50,400

Louis Vuitton fishing rod trunk

1924

with the initials "YK" on the top cover

Dimensions: 178.5 × 23 x 27 cm 

Estimate: €15,000 - 20,000

Originally designed for military personnel and explorers, this Louis Vuitton trunk transforms into a comfortable bed, equipped with a horsehair mattress, and capable of accommodating wool blankets and sheets.

Patented, the Louis Vuitton bed trunk can be assembled or disassembled in just 3 minutes, offering exceptional stability.

Sold at Christie's on July 3, 2024

Sale price: €69,300

Louis Vuitton bed trunk 1900

with a brass metal handle on a leather strap and two black lacquered iron handles on each side

interior includes four metal cot frames, horsehair folding mattress covered in red and white striped fabric, green cotton bed liner, two leather straps

Dimensions: 80.50 × 46.5 x 40.5 cm 

Estimate: €8,000 - 10,000

Explorer trunks, long overlooked, have been gaining particular interest among collectors in recent years. The uniqueness of this trunk lies in the fact that it is 100% original, including its interior. Additionally, it is the oldest known to date, dating back to 1871, making it 153 years old!

It had suffered damage during clumsy restorations, notably with the stripping of the steel edges.

We are proud to have restored this trunk in our Malle2luxe workshop, bringing it back to its original state. It set a new record for a zinc trunk, an unprecedented achievement. This is an important milestone, as this model is of archaic design, featuring iron and standard jewelry. The most sought-after trunks are those that represent the brand with characteristics such as the Louis Vuitton patented lock, clasps, and brass corners, hinting at new records in the years to come.

Sold at Christie's on July 3, 2024

Sale price: €81,900

Airtight zinc trunk for brass jewelry explorer 

60 l x 34.5 h x 37 d cm

with two black lacquered iron handles on each side and metal plate on the upper cover with the words "Henri Lesterpt Captain in the 7th Bon 6th Cie Garde Mobile"

the interior includes a tray

Estimate: €40,000 - 60,000

Today, an iPad allows you to carry all your books and take notes and send emails. At the beginning of the century, there was the Louis Vuitton library trunk in different versions and sizes.

It was designed to carry your favorite books and a typewriter for correspondence during distant travels. Its main drawback was its considerable weight when full.

We are proud to have restored this trunk in our workshop, Malle2luxe, setting a new record for a Louis Vuitton library trunk.

Sold at Christie's on July 3, 2024

Sale price: €88,200

Louis Vuitton library trunk

Monogram canvas 1932 

In the style of Hemingway's trunk

Dimensions 38.5 x 65.5 x 46 cm

Estimate: €20,000 - €30,000

The audacious Supreme & Louis Vuitton collaboration, presented at the Fall 2017 show, created a buzz online, especially among a young audience. The collection of trunks, like the collection of bags, was very limited and sold only by pre-order 6 months in advance, leading to unprecedented speculation for Louis Vuitton.

Sold at Christie's on April 25, 2024

Sale price: €88,200

Mail trunk 90 cm Supreme 2017

Limited edition red and white monogram canvas

Louis Vuitton & Supreme.

90 cm mail trunk , nickel-plated jewelry finish

Includes bell and keys.

Dimensions: 90 x 51 x 48 cm 

Estimate: €40,000 - 50,000

Trunks made specifically for famous and illustrious individuals are highly sought after. Better than a limited edition, imagine a design chosen and made just for you, to meet your unique needs.

This photo trunk from 1910 was made for Albert Kahn.

We are proud to have performed this restoration in our Malle2luxe workshops, adhering to the rules of the art. Repainted, we had to strip it, redo the interior, the ropes, and carry out many operations to bring it back to life, thus increasing its value.

Sold at Christie's on July 3, 2024

Sale price: €94,500

Red Vuittonite canvas trunk, brass jewelry, 

73 lx 31 hx 39 p cm

with three white XXXs on the side and top cover

with two brass metal hooks and ropes for transport

Estimate: €20,000 - €30,000

An explorer trunk of atypical format, with the interior rearranged to accommodate a rifle. It is uncertain if this arrangement is original, but it does not detract from its exceptional character.

Sold at Christie's on July 3, 2024

Sale price: €138,600

Louis Vuitton Brass Trunk 1896

with the initials "YK" on the top cover

Dimensions: 127 × 25.5 x 16.5 cm 
Estimate: €80,000 - 120,000

While toiletry cases were overlooked by collectors in recent years, a collective realization has made them break records. Collectors are vying for them due to their exceptional craftsmanship and refinement, closer to watchmaking than luggage. This travel item allowed ladies to shine in society, staying beautiful and fragrant in all circumstances worldwide. Made from precious skin, solid silver, crystal, ivory, leather, silk, and velvet goat. This Louis Vuitton piece is exceptional, made in 1936, covered in ostrich and reptile skin, with tortoiseshell brushes. This toiletry case long held the world record for the highest sale price, surpassing trunks.

Sold at Drouot by Gros & Delettrez on November 4, 2016

Sale price: €144,640

Louis Vuitton Toiletry Case 1936

Magnificent, for Madame and Monsieur in brown ostrich leather, golden brass clasp, handle, green lizard interior containing two tortoiseshell manicure sets, a set of bottles in chiseled glass of art deco inspiration and 925 thousandths silver. Good condition (wear).

Dimensions: 37 x 47 x 14 cm

This copy will be presented at the Legendary trunks à Amsterdam in February 2018

This trunk, nicknamed the "explorer wardrobe," was probably not designed for actual explorations for several reasons. First, its large dimensions and bulk make it practically untransportable during expeditions. True explorer trunks are rather compact to be transported in hostile environments, even when full.

Additionally, its manufacturing date during the interwar period does not match explorer trunks, all of which date from the great explorations between 1871 and 1904.

We cannot say for sure, but it seems likely that this trunk was designed for an extrovert looking for an original item. However, this does not diminish the exceptional rarity of this extraordinary piece, combining ultimate chic style.

Sold at Christie's on July 3, 2024

Sale price: €189,000

Wardrobe trunk covered in brass

Louis Vuitton 1925

Dimensions: 55 × 110.5 x 54.5 cm 

Estimate: €120,000 - 180,000

Today, aluminum is commonplace in our daily lives. However, it was considered a precious metal when this explorer trunk was built in 1892! This rare trunk is covered in solid aluminum and has long remained a myth, the pinnacle of chic for explorers, blending new technology with French craftsmanship. This truly unique trunk holds the record for the most expensive antique trunk sold at auction.

Sold at Christie's in December 2018

Sale price: €192,890

Louis Vuitton explorer mail trunk 1892

Rare aluminum explorer trunk

Louis Vuitton, 1892

Dimensions: 75 x 43 x 42 cm

Estimate: €60,000 - 120,000

Surprisingly, the world record for the highest price achieved for a Louis Vuitton item for over 12 years was neither a bag nor a trunk, but a plush toy, all dressed in Louis Vuitton!

Teddy bears became fashionable in the early 20th century after American newspapers reported that President Theodore Roosevelt had refused to shoot a bear cub while hunting.

Teddy bears quickly became collectible items. The obsession reached its peak in 2000 when the German company Steiff, specializing in plush toys, released one dressed in an outfit invented by Louis Vuitton designers. This unique bear named "PADDYNGTON" with an elegant hat, raincoat, and presidential suitcase was auctioned for the benefit of the "Monaco Aide et Présence" association and bought by Korean businessman Jesse Kim. This toy proudly resides in the Teddy Bear Museum in the 

The auction took place in October 2000, where this bear sold for 1.4 million francs.

Sale price: €215,000

Sale price: €239,400

Mail trunk Yayoi Kusama 2012

From the collection of Yves Carcelle

Louis Vuitton trunk, acrylic paint

signed Yayoi Kusama, dated 2012

Dimensions: 71 x 111 x 62 cm

Estimate: 80,000 - 120,000 euros

A world record that seems insurmountable for several years