A Writer’s Trunk—Hemingway, Louis Vuitton and Rare Finds
What do Ernest Hemingway and Louis Vuitton have in common? The answer lies, perhaps unexpectedly, in the book A Moveable Feast, where Hemingway famously recalls his early years in Paris—hungry, ambitious, and learning how to become the writer the world would come to admire. His memories capture the artist’s struggle in vivid detail, yet rarely hint at one surprising fact: Hemingway owned a Louis Vuitton trunk.
An identical model to Hemingway’s own is among the highlights of our upcoming Winter Enchantment Auction, beginning February 20, 2026. While Hemingway’s trunk was finished in the brand’s iconic monogram canvas, with his initials printed on one side, the example offered in our sale is even more distinctive: an exceptionally rare Louis Vuitton trunk, designed with orange Vuittonite—a durable, vinyl-like coated canvas prized for its rarity, resilience, and striking presence. Even more remarkable, this trunk circa 1920s remains all original.
Vuittonite is a water- and stain-resistant coated canvas used by Louis Vuitton in the early 20th century, particularly for trunk exteriors, and later as a lining material in vintage bags produced prior to 1997. Its distinctive color, exceptional durability, and scarcity have made it especially sought after by collectors today.
Lot 3022 — Louis Vuitton Orange Vuittonite Canvas Library Trunk, c. 1920s. A rare and striking example designed for the literary traveler, featuring a compartmentalized interior with fitted storage.
The Birth of the L.V. “Library Trunk”
As Louis Vuitton expanded beyond traditional travel trunks in the early 20th century, propelled by the success of the brand’s Ideal Trunk—the company began designing pieces tailored to the pursuits of discerning travelers. From this evolution came the Library Trunk: luggage created specifically for literary life.
These trunks made it easier, and undeniably more stylish to travel with books and writing materials. The interior canvas straps could secure roughly seven to ten books, while drawers offered organized storage for stationery, notebooks, pens, and other tools of the trade. Library Trunks became popular within literary circles and were owned by notable writers beyond Hemingway, including Françoise Sagan.
Lot 3022: RARE LOUIS VUITTON LIBRARY TRUNK
A rare vertically oriented Louis Vuitton library trunk, constructed of Vuittonite with brass hardware, the interior fitted with multiple compartmented shelves and original retaining straps and interior label.
Inside, the trunk is thoughtfully designed for both serious travel and serious wordsmithing. Multiple compartments and drawers provide elegant organization, while the interior includes space intended to accommodate a portable typewriter, reflecting a time when luxury luggage wasn’t only made for clothing, but for a writer’s life in motion, and in words.
Rare First American Edition: In Our Time
For collectors of literature, the Winter Auction also features Ernest Hemingway’s second published book of fiction, In Our Time, published by Boni & Liveright (New York, 1925) with dated copyright. This edition is preceded only by the limited Paris printing sold through Sylvia Beach at Shakespeare & Co.
Lot 3485: Rare First American Edition, Stories by Ernest Hemingway — In Our Time
This copy includes Sylvia Beach’s label inside the back cover, a notable detail reflecting that a portion of the American edition was shipped to her after her self-published run of 170 copies sold out immediately. It is offered in the original black cloth with gilt title and decoration, accompanied by a reprint dust jacket housed in a Brodart protective cover. Hemingway’s first published book was Three Stories & Ten Poems (Paris, 1923), followed by In Our Time (1925), and then his landmark debut novel The Sun Also Rises (1926), which cemented his literary fame—making this rare first edition an especially exciting offering.
Discover Hemingway and More Louis Vuitton
Alongside Hemingway’s In Our Time, our upcoming Winter Enchantment Auction features a selection of Louis Vuitton luggage and several rare books, and exceptional antiques and vintage, museum-quality pieces—offering collectors a unique opportunity to acquire objects where travel, design, and literature intersect. Together, these distinctive objects reflect Thomaston Place’s ongoing commitment to presenting and preserving significant works, and our established role as trusted stewards of important historical and cultural relics.
Our Winter Enchantment Auction Sale begins February 20, 2026—to gain early access to these important relics and other highlights, call 207-354-8141 or complete the form below to connect directly with a specialist, and subscribe to receive important updates.