An essential for long-distance travel in the 19th century, this travelling trunk is a luxury example of one of the many types of luggage a European traveller could pack for their journey by rail or water. Constructed from wood, canvas and leather, the trunk was made by Louis Vuitton, former trunk-maker to Eugénie de Montijo, Empress of France, and producer of the era's most exclusive luggage. The trunk is in the 'Malle Haute' style and is covered in the brand's LV monogram canvas, whose eye-catching logo repeat design is today globally recognised as the brand's visual identifier. Several paper labels for First Class travel on the great ocean liners of the early 20th century remain intact upon the exterior. A maker's label to the interior dates the trunk to no earlier than 1900, as the given retail address opened as a Louis Vuitton store in 1900.

With the growing popularity of long-distance rail travel from the mid-19th century, luggage adapted to new modes of transport, drawing on advances in materials and techniques. Whereas early travelling trunks featured rounded-tops to encourage water run-off, Louis Vuitton is credited with introducing the innovative flat-topped trunk to the French market in 1858, an advancement only made possible by its unique water-tight design. This more convenient, stackable form of trunk bore all of Vuitton’s renowned quality, whilst remaining lightweight and sturdy. From this moment on, most travelling trunks utilised a flat-topped form. Matching the evolving demands of luggage necessitated by the late 19th century surge in cross-Atlantic voyaging, the flat-topped trunk made for easier loading and handling, and maximised capacity within the ship's hold. A product of increased global mobility, the trunk exhibits stylistic and functional similarities to its forebears - early portable containers and travelling furniture such as chests, caskets, and coffers, all of which emerged from the centuries-long need to travel with one's possessions contained within a portable and secure vessel.