Condition Report
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Lot 69
Sale 1156 - Spring Fashion & Accessories
Mar 14, 2023
10:00AM CT
Online / Chicago
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Estimate
$3,000 -
5,000
Price Realized
$4,725
Sold prices are inclusive of Buyer’s Premium
Lot Description
Bertha Palmer's Louis Vuitton Trunk, Late 19th Century
This trunk features the Initials "PP" likely for Pauline Palmer, with a second set of initials visible underneath that read "BMHP" for Pauline's mother-in-law, Bertha Matilde Honore Palmer. The two sets of initials suggest that the trunks were originally made for Bertha Palmer, who likely used them for her international travels, including for her work at the Paris Exposition of 1900. Following Bertha Palmer's death in 1918, it is believed that Pauline Palmer took possession of this and other trunks and had her initials painted over her mother-in-laws. The Chicago History Museum's fashion collection contains other examples of items from Bertha Palmer that were "resued" by subsequent generations of her family.
Late 19th century steamer trunk in LV monogram printed canvas, with metal frame/sides, hardware, and handles, with fittings for a leather strap (now missing), and four non-functioning wheels on the base. The bottom section of the trunk is metal. The interior is lined in ivory canvas, with one removable tray and the inner lid is studded with ribbon taping. There are several travel stickers on each of the handle sides.
Trunk Label (inside lid): I. Rue Scribe / Paris / Louis Vuitton / 149, New Bond Street / London
Serial Number: 128741
Stamping on Center Front Lock
149 New Bond Street Lonon / Made in France / 70 Champs Elysees / Paris
Serial Number: 047479
Label on Tray Insert, Woven into Straps: The Field Trunk / Marshall Field & Company / Chicago
Approximate Measurements:
Length: 29.5"
Height: 20"
Width: 17"