French Leather and Brass Bound Steamer Trunk - À La Malle Édison, Paris

Details

Description

A fine French steamer or luggage trunk from the Belle Époque era, by the celebrated Parisian manufacturer - J. Krogner … Read more A fine French steamer or luggage trunk from the Belle Époque era, by the celebrated Parisian manufacturer - J. Krogner - À La Malle Édison

Upholstered in a dark brown vulcanized canvas with leather accents, tailored to survive rigorous steamship or train voyages, with multiple horizontal, polished hardwood slats (typically beech or poplar) secured across the top and sides for structural integrity and drop protection.

Outfitted with a heavy-duty, solid brass central flip latch, two exterior side clasps, and reinforced brass corner brackets fastened with protective rivets, retaining its heavy-duty leather side handles affixed to thick, riveted leather backplates for porter transport.

Featureing an authentic oval brass maker's plate directly above the main center lock, identifying its Parisian manufacture, with subtle faded initials (C.D.) stenciled onto the side panel - standard for high-society travelers of the era to identify their luggage among piles of transit cargo.

Perfect for use as a cocktail (low) or coffee table.


"A La Malle Edison" was a Parisian label created by J. Krogner - a luggage manufacturer founded in 1850, operating at 11 Avenue de l'Opéra in Paris.

This street was a prestigious hub for luxury French trunk-making during the golden age of travel, sharing proximity with legendary competitors like Au Départ and Aux États-Unis.


The label (translated) reads:

A LA MALLE ÉDISON
PATENTED S.G.D.G.

Establishment founded in 1850
J. Krogner
11, Avenue de l’Opéra, 11th arrondissement
Formerly, 16 Rue Portefoin, 16th arrondissement
PARIS
Manufacturer of travel goods


The patent marking text includes "Breveté S.G.D.G.", a standard historical French patent marker (meaning Breveté Sans Garantie Du Gouvernement or "Patented without government guarantee"), which was legally used in France until 1968.

The center of the label features a lithographed illustration of a multi-tiered travel trunk alongside medals won at universal expositions. It is set against a vibrant, stenciled red damask or arabesque visual frame printed directly onto the trunk's canvas or leather exterior. See less