PARIS.- Following the record-breaking success of the inaugural 2024 sale, the second installment of Legendary Trunks: A European Private Collectionthe largest collection of Louis Vuitton trunks ever presented at auctionmet with resounding success. Achieving a total of 1,151,766, or 140% of the low estimate, with 90% of lots sold and half exceeding their high estimates, this second sale reaffirms collectors' enthusiasm for objects that lie at the intersection of heritage, design, and luxury.
The number of participants in this sale surpassed that of 2024, a clear sign of the growing interest these historic travel pieces generate among a discerning and international clientele.
This outstanding result brings the combined total for the two sales to 3.4 million, confirming the remarkable momentum around this category.
Once again, this second sale offered a carefully curated selection that traced the evolution of trunk design and usage over the decades, showcasing iconic pieces, rare models, and emblematic creations.
Among the most coveted items were two zinc explorer trunks, designed to withstand the harshest conditions. Rare on the market, both doubled their low estimates, selling for 100,800 and 88,200 respectively.
Another standout was a shoe trunk inspired by the famous Lily Pons model, which fetched 81,900nearly six times its low estimate. Additional highlights included a crocodile and tortoiseshell vanity case, demonstrating the refinement of Louis Vuitton's bespoke commissions, which sold for 63,000. A cigar trunk designed to hold up to 1,000 cigars brought in 56,700, far surpassing its 30,000 estimate. A military-style bed trunk also drew attention, achieving 32,760.
Lucile Andreani, Head of Handbags at Christie's Europe and Middle East, commented: It is a privilege to accompany a collection of such richness and to help shine a light on this fascinating chapter in the history of travel.