Introduction
Transporting personal belongings has always been necessary for those in search of a new home or just a short trip. The invention of luggage trunks - dating back to pre-medieval times - allowed for new possibilities of carrying more belongings from place to place.
The popularity of luggage trunks skyrocketed during the Victorian era (1836 - 1901), perfectly timed with the golden age of railroad and ship transportation. Mass emigration during the 19th and 20th centuries also contributed to the increased demand of luggage trunks and were popular on iconic ships such as the Titanic (1912). The Victorian era allowed for luggage trunks to become more elegant in design, adopting canvas, leather, and metal exteriors with a multitude of new interior compartments.
A variety of luggage trunk designs went in and out of popularity over the years, but the two most significant categories are curved (or domed) and flat topped trunks.
Curved/Domed Top Trunks
As the name suggests, these luggage trunks had round tops and were first invented in Europe in the early 1800s, but did not rise in popularity until the late 1870s. One large intention of the design was to hinder other trunks from being stacked on top, preventing damage. The stacking of luggage was often quite high, each trunk containing a weight that could possibly squash those below it. In addition, the design also allowed for rain to easily roll off, rather than collect on top and possibly lead to leakage.
These trunks were said to be more expensive than the flat topped trunks, reserved for the wealthy that could afford them. However, it is possible that some porters disregarded trunk shapes as they found it more convenient to load the luggage on its side. There is also evidence to suggest that there were manufacturers who had a range of prices, the lower end accessible to the lower class.
Flat Top Trunks
These luggage trunks were more suitable for travel as they were easily stacked during transit. They are more commonly found than their round counterparts, but similarly did not begin to trend until the late 1800s. These trunks were often quite affordable and therefore were popular among poorer families and individuals.
Luggage Trunks Today
Luggage trunks are no longer used today for travel purposes, especially after rolling suitcases were invented. However, they still have purpose! Some use these interesting pieces as home decor, such as coffee tables if flat, or storage if round. Additionally, they are viewed as collectable antiques that vary significantly in price, depending on category and condition.
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