French fashion designer and businessman (1821–1892) who had been appointed as trunk-maker to Empress Eugénie de Montijo, wife of Napoleon III, and founded the Louis Vuitton brand of luxury leather goods now owned by LVMH. Rare ADS in French, signed “LV,” one page both sides, 8.25 x 10.75, May 13, 1873. Very early and extremely rare handwritten document issued to William Few Chrystie, accomplished by Louis Vuitton on ornate "Louis Vuitton Emballeur" stationery, being an invoice listing prices for fabric, boxes, and other packaging amounting to 387.50 francs. In very good to fine condition, with light creasing and handling wear, and some tiny holes along the intersecting folds.
William Few Chrystie was the grandson of U.S. Constitution signer William Few. In 1858, inspired by H.J. Cave & Sons of London, Vuitton introduced his revolutionary rectangular canvas trunks at a time when the market had only rounded-top leather trunks. The demand for Vuitton's durable, lightweight designs spurred his expansion into a larger workshop in Asnières-sur-Seine. The original pattern of the shellac embedded canvas was named 'Damier.'
Vuitton also designed the world's first pick-proof lock. All lock patterns were safely kept at Vuitton's workrooms and registered with the owner's name in case another key was needed. In 1871, as a result of the Franco-Prussian War, demand fell sharply, and Vuitton's workshop was in shambles. Many of his tools were stolen and his staff were gone. Vuitton rebuilt immediately, erecting a new shop at 1 Rue Scribe, next to a prestigious jockey club in the heart of Paris. In 1872, Vuitton introduced an iconic new line, featuring beige monogrammed designs with a red stripe—this would remain a signature of his brand long after he died. Vuitton's autograph is extremely rare in any form—this is the first we have offered.
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