Travel In Style
In addition to our love for vintage clothing styles, we are equally passionate about vintage leather luggage from the late 1800s to early 1900s, which beautifully complements our clothing.
The story of vintage luggage is intertwined with the history of travel itself. For centuries, human curiosity has driven civilizations to explore the world, carrying their most valued belongings along the way.
Historically, travel—particularly tourism—was a luxury reserved for the upper class. Wealthy travellers often relied on a team of servants to handle their luggage. In the 18th century, European elites embarking on the Grand Tour would travel with several attendants, transporting trunks filled with clothing and furnishings. The lack of need for convenience meant that bulky trunks were the norm, as porters and hotel staff handled the heavy lifting. These trunks were the precursors to the vintage suitcases we know today.
By the late 19th century, the suitcase emerged as a lighter alternative to trunks, designed specifically for carrying suits. While still cumbersome by modern standards, these early suitcases were popular for steamship travel. It wasn’t until the mid-20th century, with the decline of steamship travel and the rise of air travel with its strict weight limits, that luggage design evolved to be lighter, more compact, and more practical.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, trunk makers typically constructed wooden frames covered with thin leather to waterproof them. However, the art of luggage making truly flourished with pioneers like Louis Vuitton, who began his company in 1854 in Paris. Vuitton’s leather-bound trunks became world-renowned. Other notable luggage makers such as Goyard (established in 1792), John Pound of England (1823), Moynat (1849), and the Bavarian company Hartmann (founded in 1877) catered to a new market of affluent, mobile elites, solidifying their places in luggage history.
The late 19th century marked a turning point in the history of travel, ushering in the era of mass tourism. While humans had always travelled out of curiosity and for exploration, by the early 1900s, travel for leisure had become increasingly popular. Hotels in Switzerland were recording millions of overnight stays each year, and British beaches drew hundreds of thousands of visitors on summer days. Travel was no longer an exclusive luxury for the wealthy.
Many pieces of vintage luggage serve as physical testaments to their journeys, much like passports filled with stamps from far-off destinations. Each suitcase tells a story that can be pieced together from the travel labels and markings it carries.
Some vintage luggage may bear the initials or crests of its previous owners, embossed or applied in gold or silver. The luggage tag itself, often made from the same leather as the case, might offer further clues to its past ownership, similar to a car’s tax disc left behind for posterity.
Beyond these visual clues, the construction and materials of the case—particularly the leather—can reveal its desirability. Leather, tanned for durability, becomes worn and beautifully patinated with age. Each scratch, dent, and scuff adds character, much like the lines on a person’s face tell the story of their life. A vintage suitcase, with its well-traveled appearance, offers a glimpse into its past adventures.
The more prestigious suppliers and manufacturers were far from subtle with their branding. Companies like Finnigan Ltd, Insall & Son, and Brachers proudly displayed their names, embracing the early concept of "brand power" to highlight their quality and reputation.
The locks on these cases also signified their value, rarity, and craftsmanship. Many renowned manufacturers ensured their locks were stamped with their brand name, reinforcing the association with excellence. Finnigan Ltd, Barret & Son, F. Lansdowne, and John Pound & Co all incorporated their names into the lock plates, while Louis Vuitton went further by including both a brand name and a serial number on each lock.
Some of the finest cases, made from premium hide, crocodile, or rare exotic skins, were often accompanied by a canvas cover. This detail signifies the original high quality and cost of the case, making it something worth protecting and preserving. These canvas slipcovers also serve a practical purpose, gently buffing and polishing the case each time it’s put on or removed, much like the subtle shine a coin gains from frequent handling.
We have carefully sourced an exquisite collection of vintage luggage, each piece telling its own unique story of craftsmanship and travel. Our selection features beautiful examples of find leather trunks, suitcases, and travel bags from renowned makers, each one chosen for its historical significance, quality, and timeless style. Whether crafted from rich leather, exotic skins, or adorned with intricate detailing, these pieces are a testament to the golden age of travel, combining function with elegance. Now available here, our collection offers a chance to own a piece of history, perfect for adding character to your journeys or enhancing your vintage decor.
See our full collection here!