The trunks of Pierre Savorgan de Brazza

In this article we will focus on the history of his secretary trunk, a special order made in 1890 for his last trip. This exceptional model is entirely covered in copper, to ensure perfect resistance to the various weather conditions. It features the first "unhookable" copper locks to ensure real inviolability, as well as a compartmentalised interior that transforms the luggage into a real office

A small subtlety will definitely set this luggage apart from other trunks. Aware that his missions could have more and more diplomatic repercussions, the explorer discreetly asked George Vuitton for a secret drawer to be fitted in his office trunk, a completely invisible drawer, allowing him to store his most sensitive documents. Interest in the trunk took on a new dimension when Savorgnan died on September 14, 1905, during his third and final trip to Africa.

From then on, his trunks and their contents were shipped back to France. Amongst this luggage, the famous office trunk was immediately seized by the French state, in order to recover the precious treaties signed by the diplomatic officer.

No one found the location of the hidden drawer, and it was George Vuitton who was summoned to remove the manuscripts from the trunk. These documents, which are still completely unknown to us today, would denounce the actions of France on certain African civilisations.