Circa 1840's
Chenue - Maker - Established 1768
Trunk Maker And Packer For Louis XVI And Marie Antoinette
King And Queen Of France
$775
Includes Shipping
This dome top was made in France in the 1840-1850 era which is quite early. It measures 30"L X 26"H X 19"W
and has just a super tone to the wood which is of the nicer sort. This trunk has working double locks and a
key is included. The handles are original and metal in a nice design. The buttons you see around the metal
banding are brass and not painted. It is a good solid antique trunk.
The interior is as clean as they come and nicely finished. Dark spots seen on the inside bottom are features
of the wood and not stains. The original makers label is present and when found there was some
criss-crossed ribbon work around the label. The ribbon is highly faded and is being replaced in the design
specific to this maker.
Some photo's are below and then I'll ramble a bit about the trunk makers history.
This maker dates back roughly 250 years and the earliest trunk maker I am aware of. In research, we find two legacy
companies that appear to exist even today being Chenue - A LA CROIX DE LORRAINE and Andre Chenue SA. Both
established in the 1760's. Chenue directly served Louis XVI, King of France. First providing exclusive services to his
wife, Marie-Antoinette, as a royal packer responsible for careful packing of her linen and clothes and later also serving
in the same capacity for her children, among them, young Louis XVII, who's story is a tear jerker and today is known as
the "Lost Dauphin", or lost heir to the throne. Upon good service in this capacity, Chenue was entrusted with the
fabrication of all the crates, trunks and boxes for transport or storage of the clothing of Louis XVI and family. Essentially,
the royal trunk maker of France if you will.
The French Revolution occurred during this reign and led to the execution in 1793 of King Louis XVI and
Marie-Antoinette for treason among other charges. This marked the end of the absolute monarch in France and the
beginning of the Napoleon Era. For Chenue however, a trade was born and they now considered among the elite. Their
style, perhaps a major influence to others in this field.
In the first half of the 1800's, Andre Chenue began transcending the production of trunks for personal use and instead
they lent their expertise to the world of art. Still in existence today as the oldest provider of packaging, transportation,
display, and conservation services for the worlds great works and other items of historical significance. They have been
entrusted with the logistics of moving the Mona Lisa and the priceless treasures of King Tutankhamen as examples.
This maker predates other noted French trunk makers such as Vuitton and Goyard by almost 90 years. I, as well as a
restorer of trunks in France, have been unable to locate another example still bearing this makers label.