RESTORATION OF A LOUIS VUITTON EXPLORER TRUNK IN ZINC AND BRASS

There are certain restorations which are so poetic that they can not leave us indifferent . This Louis Vuitton explorer trunk is the perfect example. This trunk mail in zinc and brass date of 1889 , it is a unique piece . Abandoned for over 90 years , oxidation has completely transformed it and has become unrecognizable. It is very difficult, even for a trained eye, to distinguish the nature of the metal covering it. 

The explorer trunks  Louis Vuitton are developed for professional extreme:

• Adventurer
• Searcher 
• Conquistador
• Conqueror 
• Explorer
• Seasoned traveler. 

Explorer's trunk is covered with a thin sheet of  non-ferrous metal  :  brass ,  zinc, copper or aluminum . 

This makes it possible to have a very resistant trunk because the metal protects the contents from humidity and insects. Unlike coated canvas which can be eaten by Amazonian termites, explorer trunks are covered with metal to perfectly protect the wooden structure and contents from attack by xylophagous insects .

These trunks were exclusively intended  for distant trips, in the bush , in Africa , in the colonies , in Asia, in the Amazon ... These trunks also benefited from the latest technological innovations , such as  airtight patents to protect from rain and keep the contents dry. luggage, as well as anti-return tumbler locks.  These trunks were therefore  produced in very small quantities  , which explains their  rarity  and their very high value . And make it the Grail from any collector of antique Louis Vuitton luggage.

Our mission was therefore as always to:  Recover the original state before his last trip. The  difficulty  of this project was to deoxidize  the zinc and the brass without losing the patina. The oxidation  was  extreme  as if it had been stored outdoors, unprotected. Several tenths of a millimeter to remove  without distorting  or losing the original  shape.

It would have been easy to  deoxidize the metal,  as unfortunately many second-hand dealers and amateurs do , by applying acids. But we would have obtained a  uniform color  and lost all the patina which gives an  exceptional charm  to this trunk.

Several repairs are also expected, such as the broken right lock, as well as a broken handle. By dismantling the handle to repair it, we have found the original color of the zinc  and perfectly shiny brass , protected from bad weather and humidity since its manufacture.

Time does not count, only the result matters  to obtain the  best quality.   Our restoration techniques respect the rules of traditional art , derived from French know-how , in carpentry, goldsmithing, jewelry, leather goods, saddlery ...  

After  120 hours of work, we are happy to present you the incredible result of this Louis Vuitton trunk in zinc and brass without  losing the soul of the baggage  or distorting the object.