Ditch Baskets And Bins: This Valuable Antique Find Doubles As Beautiful Storage

There's a reason classics never go out of style. While you might not find Oshkosh's Chief luggage set on the conveyor belt in airport terminals, the iconic antique trunks have reemerged with a new lease on life. Once the symbol of a jet setter, the retro yellow and red striped suitcases informally dubbed "America's Louis Vuitton" have become vintage thrifting pieces for organization around the house — covetable ones at that. The grandma-approved find will inspire you to ditch the boring 'ol baskets and bins and opt for a storage system with personality instead. (Nana does always seem to know best.) 

The Wisconsin-based Oshkosh Trunk Company got its start back in 1898, crafting wardrobe trunks and luggage. Following the end of the Spanish-American War, a U.S. mill uncovered the red and yellow striped canvas left behind, which ultimately set the stage for the iconic Chief aesthetic. Things really began to take flight (pun intended) when Chicago-based Marshall Field & Company took over Oshkosh in the '30s and allowed sales to flourish, opening flagship locations in New York, London, and Paris. 

The company met its demise in 1961, but the beloved aesthetic is now a valuable antique to never overlook when thrifting. An entire old-school set can cost over $1,000, as can more unique individual pieces, such as a 1920s steamer trunk with file drawers listed on Chairish. Though they aren't considered truly antique, you also find vintage (1930s to midcentury) Oshkosh pieces on second-hand retailers like Etsy and eBay for an average of $200-$300, depending on the size. In 2014, Chief Trunk was relaunched under its own label, but dropped the titular hard trunks from the line. However, you can still find these stylish antiques in secondhand shops if you know what to look for. 

Should your Granny sadly not have her luggage set anymore, keep your eyes peeled during your next thrifting excursion for one to call your own. You'll know you've uncovered an original when you stumble upon a tag within the accessory that reads "Oshkosh 'The Chief'" luggage or "Oshkosh Trunk Company." Should you have questions about the authenticity, always feel free to ask the seller or a professional for an opinion. If the pieces are truly antique, they may need a little cleaning to look their best, and if the interior smells a bit musty, check out this genius hack for getting the unpleasant smell out of pre-loved pieces. 

Once you have your luggage at home, you can choose to use it for easy storage for a number of items, including books, DVDs, documents, and so on. One big perk of using antique luggage for storage? It's ready to be on the go if you ever need to pack it up for a move. In terms of style, these trunks perfectly lean into that "lived-in" feel that has become so enviable. Keep your storage find among other curated items, like artwork, handmade accents, and natural materials to emphasize the personality. Since the yellow and red stripes are warm colors, make sure nearby textiles complement each suitcase. If your collection can live near an aged leather sofa or couch, even better.