RECENT ACQUISITIONS - 16th June, 2026
This very unusual trunk, dating from around 1911, was specially commissioned by Encyclopaedia Britannica and is associated with Cambridge. As described in 100 Legendary Trunks by Louis Vuitton, the idea was both ingenious and practical: rather than having to decide what essential reading material one might bring to a desert island, why not take the entire Encyclopaedia Britannica? Recognised as the most comprehensive and well-researched collection of knowledge, the encyclopaedia was continuously revised and updated, making it not only an indispensable source of learning but also an ideal companion for long journeys. In 1910, the publisher—linked to Cambridge University—placed an order for 1,000 trunks a full year before the eleventh edition was released. Each trunk was designed to house twenty-nine volumes, totalling roughly 28,000 pages (excluding the index) and containing 40,000 articles, all carefully edited to expand its market reach in North America.
Reference Number: Z12141
A 20th Century Louis Vuitton motor car trunk in grey Vuittonite, a rare and practical example of early automotive luggage. Designed for external mounting, it features wooden slats to the top and base for secure stacking on a vehicle. The trunk retains its original brass lock and fittings, all bearing the Louis Vuitton mark. Inside, there is a lift-out tray, with both the tray and interior lined in calico. Combining durability with considered design, this piece reflects the transition from traditional travel trunks to those adapted for motoring.
Reference Number: Z12139
A fantastic antique gaff rigged cutter pond yacht, lovely carved hull dating to the first half of the 20th century. The yacht is an example of British pond racing yacht and would have raced against similar yachts in competitions, club against club, all over Britain, sometimes against overseas clubs as well. Just like in real sailing competitions, to make things equal in the race, waterlines had to be the same length, plus overall area of the sails needed to be the same.
Reference Number: Z12142