A Louis Vuitton steamer trunk once owned by Greta Garbo (1905-1990) has shone at an auction of the film star's possessions, consigned directly from her estate.

The trunk sold for $37,500, demolishing its $8,000 estimate by 368.8% at the December 14-15 sale in the US.

Garbo’s Louis Vuitton trunk sold for $37,500

The Grand Hotel star employed the wood and brown leather case to transport her extensive shoe collection.

As the first steamer trunk she owned, it is a reminder of Garbo's early years, when she left her native Sweden behind in 1925, at the age of 20, to work in silent movies.

It still retains many remnants of travel labels, including one stating: "...GOTHENBURG DIRECT NEW YORK."

A Valentina Ottoman silk coat achieved $11,520, while a pair of Ferragamo shoes made $8,125 in an auction which realised $1.6m in all, three times more than estimate - clear evidence that Garbo's draw is enduring.

Much of Garbo's appeal stems from the fact that in the eyes of the movie watching public, she never grew old. Garbo made her last film in 1941, at the age of just 36.

"Greta Garbo commanded Marilyn Monroe prices today," the auction house's executive director, Martin Nolan, told the Wrap website.

"Her beauty, extraordinary screen presence and fashion trending style were proven to be timeless in this extraordinary two-day event."

The results are all the more impressive considering that none of the items were ever used on screen by Garbo - a factor that can boost appeal, and prices, considerably.

A dress she wore in 1935 film Anna Karenina sold for $40,000 in June, 2011.

View our film memorabilia for sale.