Louis Vuitton: a Cowhide Double Hatbox Trunk 1920s

Louis Vuitton: a Cowhide Double Hatbox Trunk 1920s Natural cowhide bound with brass fittings and leather handles, the interior includes a lift-out tray designed to hold two hats, monogrammed 'W. L McD.' to lid, decorated with travel stickers throughout Condition Grade C- 58.5cm wide, 36cm high, 38cm deep Footnotes: This hat trunk belonged to Canadian Senator, Wilfrid Laurier McDougald (1881-1942), and has been passed down through his family. W.L. McDougald was born and raised in Canada, attending McGill and Queen's University. He was appointed Chairman of the Montreal Harbour Commission in 1922, and then was appointed to the Senate representing the senatorial division of Wellington, Quebec in 1926. However, he is best known for his involvement in the Beauharnois Scandal. This was the allegation that the Beauharnois Light, Heat and Power Company had made substantial contributions to the Liberal Party in return for permission to divert the St Lawrence River 30 km west of Montreal to generate hydroelectricity. The company's director R.O. Sweezey testified that Liberal senators Andrew Haydon and W.L McDougald had personally received Beauharnois funds, and that the company had paid approximately $700,000 into the campaign fund of the federal and Quebec Liberal parties. The investigation led to W.L. McDougald's resignation in 1932. The trunk itself is adorned with a number of travelling stickers, detailing the Senator's extensive travels around Canada and beyond, including one that shows he boarded the Empress of Australia ocean liner in July 1930. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing