Do you ever dream of the days when travel was relaxing and luxurious, and all your belongings were carried by porters in leather steamer trunks and suitcases?

 

One of my hobbies is perusing auction houses and antique stores hoping to find interesting items. One of the things I always stop to look at are vintage luggage and travel accessories.  As travel once was a luxury for only a few wealthy individuals, many of the old trunks, luggage and travel accessories were made by very high end purveyors. They were pricey back when they were purchased and their value has only increased over the years.  Just for fun, I thought I would share a few items I found that are either currently for sale or coming up at auction in the near future:

Greta Garbo’s Louis Vuitton steamer trunk will be auctioned at  Julien’s Auction in Beverly Hills on December 14th, estimated at $6,000 – $8,000.

Travel like Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney – two of  her Mark Cross alligator suitcases are available through 1st Dibs – price available on request.

Act quickly and for an estimated 4,000 – 5,000 British Pounds, you can purchase this Edwardian silver and gilt fitted crocodile traveling case up for auction on October 3rd at  Lyon and Turnbull in Edinburgh, Scotland.

This gorgeous Vintage Hermes Travel Case is listed on eBay for a Buy it Now of only $14,999!

 

For those of us with shallower pockets, you can often find interesting vintage luggage in all price ranges (but arguably not of the quality of the items above)  at antique stores, flea markets, auction houses and eBay. Have you ever found any vintage travel items in your wanderings?