A rare Louis Vuitton Encyclopaedia (Encyclopedia) Britannica library trunk dating to circa 1911, produced as part of a limited commission of one thousand examples and complete with twenty nine volumes of the eleventh edition.
ABOUT
One of one thousand trunks produced exclusively for the Encyclopaedia Britannica
From our Boxes collection, we are pleased to offer this rare Louis Vuitton Encyclopaedia Britannica Library Trunk dating to the early twentieth century, circa 1911.
The trunk is of elongated rectangular form and is finished in the iconic Louis Vuitton monogram canvas, secured with brass rivets, reinforced brass corner mounts, and the original Louis Vuitton lock plate. The interior is fitted with four partitioned compartments, purpose made to house twenty nine volumes of the eleventh edition Encyclopaedia Britannica, which remain present within the trunk. Each compartment is precisely sized, allowing the volumes to sit securely and evenly.
The Encyclopaedia Britannica eleventh edition was first published in 1910 and represents one of the most comprehensive and influential general knowledge encyclopaedias ever produced, containing approximately 28,000 pages and more than 40,000 articles. The trunk was commissioned a year ahead of release in 1910 by the encyclopaedia’s publisher, associated with Cambridge University, with an order placed for one thousand examples to facilitate delivery of the newly revised edition to subscribers.
Each trunk was specially made by Louis Vuitton to transport the complete set of volumes, reflecting the firm’s expertise in producing bespoke library and institutional trunks during the early twentieth century. Although one thousand trunks were originally commissioned, surviving examples are now scarce, with many lost to damage and time, making this an increasingly rare and sought after Louis Vuitton model.
Literature
100 Legendary Trunks – Louis Vuitton 253 Library Trunk, Encyclopaedia Britannica, Cambridge, 1911.
Reference
For another complete example see Christies Sale 23508 Lot 41
For further information on this Louis Vuitton Trunk click here.
DETAILS
Stock Number:
Dimensions:
Width: 89
Depth: 33
Height: 27
Place of origin:
France
Date of manufacture:
Circa 1911
Seller:
STAY CONNECTED
We’ll keep you in the loop with the latest events and antique news by completing this form you agree to our privacy policy.