Original Louis Vuitton Bag, Petite Marceau
About the Item
11" x 12.5" high x 4" width.
Excellent condition. Petite Marceau Model.
- Brand:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Material Notes:Leather, Synthetic
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Excelllent.
- Seller Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: AU120212461199
Louis Vuitton
The story behind iconic luxury brand Louis Vuitton — best known for its esteemed handbags, crossbody bags, leather goods, ready-to-wear clothing and more — is one of craft and innovation in the worlds of fashion, jewelry and furniture.
The company’s modest origins can be traced back to when its founder, Louis Vuitton (1821–92), wishing to free himself from the conventional lifestyle in his provincial French city of Anchay as well as a difficult stepmother, left in the early 1830s to make a new life in Paris. The young Vuitton was 13 at the time and would need to travel on foot to get to the capital, which was hundreds of miles away. With stops along the way to make money so that he could forge ahead, the journey took a couple of years, but reward was close at hand.
When he arrived in Paris, Vuitton made a living with his hands. He toiled as a box maker and packer for more than a decade and built relationships with royals and members of the upper class while working for the empress of France, Eugenie de Montijo. In 1854, Vuitton launched his namesake company. The craftsman opened a humble workshop on rue Neuve des Capucines and advertised his services with a small poster that read: “Securely packs the most fragile objects. Specializing in packing fashions.”
Long before his brand would become known globally for its exemplary top-handle bags and stylish totes, Vuitton produced stackable and rectangular trunks. The most common trunks of the era were round, which weren’t ideal for toting and storing. In 1858, Vuitton debuted his lightweight, handcrafted canvas trunks, which were sturdy, rugged and equipped with convenient compartments. Travel’s popularity broadened in the late 19th century, and Vuitton’s trunks could easily be packed into train cars and ships — upright trunks meant hanging wardrobe storage that would allow his clients to transport their sophisticated garments without worry. Demand increased and the company grew. When Louis Vuitton died in 1892, control of the luxury house was passed onto his only son, Georges Vuitton.
In 1914, a Louis Vuitton store opened at 70 Champs-Élysées. The largest travel-goods store in the world at the time, it became the company’s flagship.
The Louis Vuitton brand embodies all the attributes of luxury, from the craftsmanship, exclusivity and relevance to heritage. It’s only appropriate that it boasts one of the most recognizable insignias — the imaginative interlocking of letters and fleurettes — in the fashion world. The famous LV monogram was first used in 1896 as part of an initiative by Georges to prevent counterfeiting of his coveted new line of travel trunks. It’s one of the earliest examples of fashion branding.
The LV monogram would soon appear on everything from bags and various fashion accessories to alligator-skin champagne cases, from stylish apparel and earrings to teddy bears and airplane models.
On 1stDibs, the unmistakable insignia can be found on both modern and vintage Louis Vuitton shoulder bags, suitcases, original 19th-century trunks, jackets and more.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: New York, NY
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Paloma Picasso "Ionic Column" Evening BagBy Paloma PicassoLocated in New York, NYPaloma Picasso "Ionic Column" black velvet and gold kid leather evening shoulder bag. Excellent condition. 1980's Italy. W 7.50", H 6.50", W 2". Length 24 " Shoulder Strap.Category
1980s Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
- Arnold Scassi Pave Box BagBy Arnold ScaasiLocated in New York, NYCharming Arnold Scassi Pave Box Bag with shoulder chain in black satin with pave rhinestone flap. Cute box shape with sparkling accents. Faille lining. 1960's USA. 3.5" x 2.5" wide ...Category
1960s American Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Maud Frizon 2 Tone Metallic Leather Drawstring BagBy Maud Frizon ParisLocated in New York, NYCool, easy Maud Frizon Bi Color Leather Metallic Drawstring Bag from the 1980's France. Icy blue silver and bronze metallic leather are spliced in this drawstring shoulder style. 6"...Category
1980s French Shoulder Bags
- Henri Betrix Quilted Satin PurseLocated in New York, NYQuilted satin bag with gilt owl heads retailed by Henri Betrix, Madison Ave, N.Y. 1970's USA. Excellent condition. 7.5" x 5" x 2" with 30" gilt chain.Category
1970s American Shoulder Bags
- Italian Velvet Purse with Enamel Accents, Mangiameli MilanoLocated in New York, NYCharming Italian Velvet Purse with Enamel Accents from the 1960's. Black and Nile Green velvet 2 toned purse with 4 chain link strap with enamel stations. These stations also decorat...Category
1960s Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
- Textured Silver Metal Shoulder BagLocated in New York, NYCharming silvered metal shoulder "bag" in varying textures. The flap has a crosshatched texture and the body has a floral pattern. Bag with velvet lining and twist cord shoulder stra...Category
1970s American Shoulder Bags
- 2018 Chanel Gabrielle Maxi Black Leather Top Shoulder BagBy ChanelLocated in Torre Del Greco, ITChanel signed bag, Gabrielle model, size XL, made in black leather with gold hardware. Equipped with a top zip closure, internally lined in red canvas, very roomy. Equipped with a le...Category
2010s Hobo Bags
- Chanel 1991 Vintage Classic Flap Rare Quilted Black Lambskin Shoulder BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Rare 1991 Vintage Lambskin Quilted Classic Flap Bag 1991 {VINTAGE 31 Years} Gold hardware CC Turnlock Closure Texturized stud hardware Classic flap back pocket Quilted Leathe...Category
1990s French Structured Shoulder Bags
- Moschino black leather suede gaucho bagBy MoschinoLocated in Capri, ITMoschino black leather suede gaucho bag Moschino vintage bag, saddle inspiration totally made in italy total lenght 145 cm x 30 cm tasks on both sidesCategory
1990s Italian Shoulder Bags
- Cellerini black lizard handle shoulder bagLocated in Capri, ITCellerini black lizard handle shoulder bag totally made in italy measurements: 18 * 24 cmCategory
1980s Italian Shoulder Bags
- Gucci black suede leather shoulder bagBy GucciLocated in Capri, ITGucci black suede leather shoulder bagCategory
1990s Italian Shoulder Bags
- Prada black croco leather handbag shoulder bagBy PradaLocated in Capri, ITPrada black croco leather handbag totally made in italy measurements: 23*13 cm, 9 cm depthCategory
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Top Handle Bags
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
How to Spot a Fake Louis Vuitton
What are the telltale signs that you're holding a real Louis Vuitton and not a knockoff? We spoke with expert Diane D’Amato to find out. Of course, you don't have to worry about fakes on 1stDibs, where every seller is highly vetted.
Inside Louis Vuitton’s Most Popular Handbag Collaborations
The venerable brand has earned accolades (and gained new fans) for partnerships that meld fashion with art.