This antique travel trunk in vulcanised fibre is a German WICO trunk-case with a rigid body, metal corner caps, reinforcing battens and metal latches. It originates from Görlitz, in Germany, from the early twentieth century, and keeps the maker’s WICO label in vulcanised fibre (Vulkanfiber).
Vulcanised fibre was the material of travel luggage in the first half of the twentieth century: light, tough and cheaper than leather. The WICO firm, of Görlitz, made trunk-cases of this kind for rail and steamer, in the years of the great European interwar journey.
The body is black vulcanised fibre over a wooden frame, reinforced by battens and riveted metal corner caps at the edges and corners. The lid closes on metal latches and keeps its central handle. The build was made to withstand the handling and stacking of travel.
The surface shows the honest wear of use: scuffs, marks and small losses in the fibre, light rust on the hardware and the matte patina of aged material. The gilt WICO Görlitz label survives on the front, a record of its origin.
Today it works as a decorative trunk, a low coffee table, open storage or a bedside piece at the foot of the bed. It fits vintage, industrial, eclectic and travel-themed interiors, where it brings historical character and a surface of real use.
Details
- Dimensions: Length 80 cm – Width 50 cm – Height 27 cm
- Style: Art Deco / vintage
- Materials and techniques: Vulcanised fibre; wooden frame; metal corner caps and battens; metal latches and hardware.
- Place of origin: Germany (Görlitz) — WICO
- Period: Early 20th century
- Date of manufacture: Circa 1930
- Condition: Good. Original fibre and hardware with travel wear; retains the WICO label. Wear consistent with age and use.
This piece is part of the curated collection of Amaru Antiques, Barcelona.
ONE OF A KIND PIECE
