ONE of the most popular sales categories auctioneers have been launching recently is fashion and accessories. Although this often translates into modern handbags from the likes of Hermès, more robust older travel cases can also be sought-after.
As the use of staff declined, relatively compact and lightweight personal luggage became more important to the discerning traveller, sometimes embossed with initials or crests.
While Louis Vuitton is probably the best-known name for highquality luggage of this kind, venerable British firm Mappin & Webb is also a manufacturer frequently offered at auction.