Parisian Travel Trunk In Black Wood And Brass - 19th Paris France

Very beautiful late 19th century travel trunk in wood, brass, black coated canvas and interior fabric by A. Maille-Lavolaille. This superb trunk bears a monogram plate "CF & Cie Paris" and a second plate numbered 2. The lock is inscribed "A. MAILLE-LAVOLAILLE" and "3 Rue Croix-des-Petits-Champs" which are the name and Parisian address of the manufacturer. The signature on the lock is quite rare, which makes this model particularly interesting. A goddess or gorgon is engraved on the top of the lock. A label remains inside the trunk. This extremely decorative, but useful and historical, trunk has very beautiful dimensions. The trunk shows signs of wear due to its age and numerous travels, making it a wonderful witness to history. Late 19th century - France Lavolaille, successor to Katz et Cie, was founded in 1845, specializing in trunks for sales representatives. Made of wood, equipped with solid handles and straps, and with varied interior fittings depending on the objects, they were the ancestors of the “marmot”. Lavolaille would later join forces with A. Maille, another trunk manufacturer specializing in commercial travelers. Most trunks are covered in black canvas, steel or brass edging, and decorative upholstery studs on the top or front of the trunk. Some trunks had studs signed "Lavolaille", like Louis Vuitton studs.