What is considered a vintage bag?

What is considered a vintage bag may vary based on personal opinion. However, most experts agree that any handbag produced more than 50 years ago is a vintage accessory. On 1stDibs, you can find a wide range of vintage bags.

How can you tell if a Fendi bag is vintage?

To tell if a Fendi bag is vintage, first look for its serial number. If your bag lacks one, it was likely produced before 1980. Since any Fendi piece over 20 years old is considered vintage, a piece that lacks a serial number will usually be a vintage bag. If you find a serial number, research it using trusted online resources to get a rough idea of its age. Alternatively, a certified appraiser or other knowledgeable expert can assist you with the dating process. Shop a variety of Fendi bags on 1stDibs.

What is considered vintage for Chanel bags?

For Chanel bags, any piece produced more than 20 years ago is considered vintage. While Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel began to design handbags during the 1920s, the 2.55, which debuted in February 1955, is an iconic vintage Chanel bag. The brand's best-known bag, the Classic Double Flap bag, includes Chanel's signature quilting and leather interlaced through a chain strap. Chanel Classic flap bags have been going strong since Karl Lagerfeld updated the beloved 2.55 handbag in the 1980s with the addition of the interlocking double Cs on the flap. Other celebrated bag styles are the Gabrielle and Boy bags. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of vintage Chanel bags.

How do you date a vintage Gucci bag?

To date a vintage Gucci bag, locate its serial number. You can usually find it on the reverse of the logo-stamped leather label inside the bag. While this number doesn't tell you the year of production, it does provide the style and batch numbers of the bag. Once you have the serial number, you can look it up in trusted online databases to find out when your bag was produced. If your bag doesn't have a serial number, it likely dates to before 1960, when Gucci first introduced serial numbers. Should you have difficulty determining the age of your bag, a certified appraiser or other knowledgeable expert can assist you. Explore a large selection of vintage and contemporary Gucci bags on 1stDibs.

How much is a vintage Chanel bag?

Depending on the bag's material, a vintage Chanel can be quite expensive. For instance, a vintage crocodile top handle bag costs around $130,000. The classic quilted leather bag is around $10,000.

How do you date a vintage Chanel bag?

The best way to date a vintage Chanel bag depends on how old it is. For bags produced in 1986 or later, you can check the date code. By cross-checking the first two digits in the serial number with information provided by trusted online resources, you can get a rough idea of the year of production. For example, serial numbers starting with zero were produced from 1986 to 1988. If you can't find a serial number in your bag, you can enlist the services of a certified appraiser or knowledgeable dealer for assistance. Find a large selection of vintage Chanel bags on 1stDibs.

How can you tell if a Christian Dior bag is vintage?

To tell if a Christian Dior bag is vintage, check for a date code inside. Normally, it appears on a stitched leather tag in the lining. If the date is more than 20 years old, the bag is vintage. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Dior handbags.

Do vintage Gucci bags have serial numbers?

Sometimes. Whether or not a vintage Gucci bag has a serial number depends on its age. From the 1950s to the early 1970s, Gucci stamped bags with model numbers, not serial numbers. Serial numbers arrived in the late 1970s. They appeared on gold tags through the 1980s and on leather tags starting in the 1990s. Find a selection of expertly vetted Gucci bags on 1stDibs.

How much is a vintage Chanel bag worth?

Vintage%20Chanel%20bags%20can%20vary%20in%20price%20and%20at%20times%20be%20worth%20more%20than%20new%20production%20Chanel%20bags.%20%20It%20all%20depends%20on%20the%20model%2C%20condition%2C%20age%2C%20and%20rarity%20of%20the%20bag.%20A%20vintage%20Chanel%20bag%20in%20good%20condition%20can%20start%20at%20%242%2C000%20and%20go%20up%20to%20%2430%2C000.%20%20

How can I tell if a vintage Prada bag is real?

Several telltale signs allow you to authenticate a vintage Prada bag. Look at the logo for consistency — the Prada logo has a distinctive font, particularly the notch taken out of the “R." Fakes will often leave this detail out. All details, including patterns, fonts and stitching, should be neat and even. Prada uses the highest quality luxury leather to craft its bags, and a plastic-like smell or rough texture could indicate the bag is a fake. Find a collection of expertly-vetted Prada bags from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

How can I tell if a vintage Gucci bag is real?

An authentic Gucci bag often has a serial number stitched on a tag in the bag's interior. Gucci serial numbers don't contain letters, and any letters present in the serial number are an indication that your bag is a fake. Check the bag for any signs of messy craftsmanship — luxury goods have impeccable stitching and stray threads are a warning sign. Ensure the hardware is of good quality and not rusted or chipped. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of expertly-vetted Gucci bags from some of the world’s top sellers.

Do vintage Chanel bags have real gold?

Yes, some vintage Chanel bags have real gold on their chain straps and hardware. Specifically, Chanel utilized 24-karat gold alloy plating on its pieces prior to 2008. After that, Chanel switched to a gold-tone metal that doesn't contain pure gold. Shop a selection of Chanel bags on 1stDibs.

Does Louis Vuitton repair vintage bags?

Yes, Louis Vuitton repairs vintage bags at all of their retail locations. Unless the product is under warranty or is defective,however, the repair will come at a price.

Do vintage Hermès Constance bags have serial numbers?

No, vintage Hermès Constance bags do not have serial numbers.

How do I tell if it’s an authentic vintage Pierre Balmain bag?

To tell if a Pierre Balmain vintage bag is authentic, first check the hardware. Balmain often stamped the brand name onto zipper pulls and fasteners. The lettering should appear crisp and evenly spaced. Balmain's tags changed greatly over time. Compare the ones in your bag to images of authenticated pieces available online. Shop a range of expertly vetted Pierre Balmain bags on 1stDibs.

Vintage Book Bags

Wilardy Dooner White Marble Lucite bag -Book piece

Located in Wallkill, NY

1950s Wilardy Opaque, Marbled White Lucite Purse, Ornate Clasp, Great Handel Mirror inside top of handbag with a Stunning Pearl and Crystal Decorative clasp. Measuring 10 WIDE X 5 D...

Category

1950s American Vintage Book Bags

Wilardy Dooner White Marble Lucite bag -Book piece

Vintage GUCCI Calfskin Leather Mini Book Tote Bag Black

By Gucci

Located in Bangkok, TH

This vintage GUCCI mini book tote is crafted of smooth calfskin leather in black and black enameled

Category

1980s Italian Vintage Book Bags

Vintage GUCCI Calfskin Leather Mini Book Tote Bag Black

H 10 in W 2.5 in L 8.5 in

1980s Paloma Picasso Cream and Gold Leather Book Bag

By Paloma Picasso

Located in Toronto, Ontario

features the alphabet in large gold letters and mirrors the cover design of a whimsical faux library book

Category

1980s Italian Vintage Book Bags

1980s Paloma Picasso Cream and Gold Leather Book Bag

Dior Red Monogram Trotter Book Tote Shopper Bag 98da43

Located in Dix hills, NY

Date Code/Serial Number: BO L 0090 Made In: Italy Measurements: Length: 13.5" Width: 4.1" Height: 12.5" Shoulder Handle Drop: 10" OVERALL VERY GOOD CONDITION ( 7.5/10 or B+ ) ...

Category

20th Century Vintage Book Bags

Dior Red Monogram Trotter Book Tote Shopper Bag 98da43

S/S 1992 Donna Karan Runway Black Leather Book Style Clutch Travel Bag

By Donna Karan

Located in West Hollywood, CA

From the Spring/Summer 1992 collection, this chic black leather Donna Karan bag debuted on the season's runway. Constructed entirely of leather, this hard shell bag features a rectan...

Category

1990s Unknown Vintage Book Bags

S/S 1992 Donna Karan Runway Black Leather Book Style Clutch Travel Bag

Bags : A Lexicon of Style Valerie Steele, Laird Borrelli Hardcover Book 1st Ed.

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Bags : A Lexicon of Style Valerie Steele, Laird Borrelli Hardcover Book 1st Edition 1999. Large

Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Vintage Book Bags

Materials

Paper

Bags : A Lexicon of Style Valerie Steele, Laird Borrelli Hardcover Book 1st Ed.

H 11 in W 9.5 in D 0.75 in

Bags : A Lexicon of Style Valerie Steele, Laird Borrelli Hardcover Book 1st Ed.

By Rizzoli

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Bags : A Lexicon of Style Valerie Steele, Laird Borrelli Hardcover Book 1st Edition 1999. Large

Category

Late 20th Century North American Vintage Book Bags

Bags : A Lexicon of Style Valerie Steele, Laird Borrelli Hardcover Book 1st Ed.

H 11 in W 9.5 in D 0.75 in

Recent Sales

90s Paloma Picasso Oversized Brown Leather Book Purse

By Paloma Picasso

Located in Los Angeles, CA

antiquarian book. With stamped gold embellishment. Hidden detachable handle - converts to clutch. Inner

Category

1990s Italian Vintage Book Bags

90s Paloma Picasso Oversized Brown Leather Book Purse

H 9 in W 12.5 in D 2 in

Paloma Picasso book style evening bag

Located in Santa Fe, NM

Paloma Picasso book style black suede with gold leather details evening bag. Can be used on the

Category

1980s Italian Vintage Book Bags

Paloma Picasso book style evening bag

H 4 in W 5.5 in D 2 in

Dior Signature Monogram Oblique Trotter Book Shopper 870080 Black Canvas Tote

By Christian Dior

Located in Forest Hills, NY

Width (inch) : 15.7 inch(approx) Width (cm) : 40 cm(approx) Height (inch) : 13.7 inch(approx) Height (cm) : 35 cm(approx) Depth (inch) : 5.51 inch(approx) Depth (cm) : 14 cm(approx) ...

Category

20th Century Unknown Vintage Book Bags

Dior Signature Monogram Oblique Trotter Book Shopper 870080 Black Canvas Tote

H 13.7 in W 5.51 in L 15.7 in

Figural "Book" Bag

Located in New York, NY

Charming figural "book" bag in black satin with embroidered crest and detailing. Flap opens in

Category

1980s American Vintage Book Bags

Figural "Book" Bag

1950s Navy Blue Book Purse

Located in San Francisco, CA

1950s Navy blue top-handle handbag featuring a book motif and shape. The front and back has gold

Category

1950s Vintage Book Bags

1950s Navy Blue Book Purse

H 7 in D 3.25 in L 10 in

H 8.5 in W 2.5 in L 7.5 in

Limited Photo Book Sumo by Helmut Newton for Bags with Frame by Philippe Starck

By TASCHEN, Helmut Newton

Located in Kelkheim (Taunus), HE

Der Original-SUMO, die Erstausgabe von 1999 mit über 400 Bildern des Meisterfotografen Helmut Newton, mit dazu passendem Buchständer des Architekten und Designers Philippe Starck. ...

Category

1990s Post-Modern Vintage Book Bags

Materials

Paper

Limited Photo Book Sumo by Helmut Newton for Bags with Frame by Philippe Starck

H 3.15 in W 27.56 in D 19.69 in

Paloma Picasso Gold Book Bag, Jeweled Clasp

By Paloma Picasso

Located in New Hope, PA

Paloma Picasso designed a series of these witty book bags in leather and suede, this gold leather

Category

1980s Italian Vintage Book Bags

Paloma Picasso Gold Book Bag, Jeweled Clasp

H 7.25 in W 5.5 in D 2 in

Vintage Burberry Book Bag

By Burberry

Located in New York, NY

Vintage Burberry book bag for men or women. Heavy cotton duck with leather trim. Signature plaid

Category

1980s British Vintage Book Bags

H 12 in W 4 in L 12 in

Book Hinged Gray Leather Handbag by Magda Makay

Located in Chicago, IL

This cleverly engineered handbag opens like a book to expose two separate interior compartments

Category

1960s American Vintage Book Bags

Book Hinged Gray Leather Handbag by Magda Makay

H 12.5 in W 8.88 in D 4.5 in

1980s Vintage GUCCI Mini Book Tote Bag Pigskin Leather Hunter Green

By Gucci

Located in Bangkok, TH

This vintage GUCCI mini book tote is crafted of pigskin leather in hunter green and enameled

Category

1980s Italian Vintage Book Bags

1980s Vintage GUCCI Mini Book Tote Bag Pigskin Leather Hunter Green

H 10 in W 2.5 in L 8.5 in

H 3.25 in W 5.25 in D 2.5 in

1990s Judith Leiber Book Minaudiere/Evening Bag

By Judith Leiber

Located in New York, NY

Absolutely gorgeous Judith Leiber minaudiere from the 1980's. This one is large enough for many smart phones and will actually hold more than enough for your night out. All the vario...

Category

1990s American Vintage Book Bags

1990s Judith Leiber Book Minaudiere/Evening Bag

H 3.13 in D 2.5 in L 5.25 in

H 4.75 in W 3.25 in

Black Alligator Handbag with Gold Tone Link Hardware

Located in valatie, NY

Black alligator handbag with matching double straps and gold-tone link hardware. It has double accordion construction, a two-tone push-button closure and a wide hinged opening. The ...

Category

1950s Vintage Book Bags

Black Alligator Handbag with Gold Tone Link Hardware

H 16.5 in W 11 in D 5 in

Longchamps Paris Ivory Floral Micro Bead Evening Bag w Chain Handle, 1950s

By Longchamps

Located in Tucson, AZ

A rare Longchamps--not Longchamp--evening purse made even more noteworthy by its swirling micro bead pattern, punctuated by delicate pink and blue pavé flowers. A diminutive but powe...

Category

1950s French Vintage Book Bags

Longchamps Paris Ivory Floral Micro Bead Evening Bag w Chain Handle, 1950s

H 4.75 in W 5.5 in D 1 in

Chanel Black Lambskin Quilted Mini Kelly

By Chanel

Located in London, GB

A true '90s icon, this minimalist mini is a must-have in any Chanel collectors collection. Crafted from black lambskin quilted leather, this rare and versatile pre-owned vintage Mini...

Category

1990s Vintage Book Bags

Chanel Black Lambskin Quilted Mini Kelly

Schiaparelli Gold Lace Jeweled T-Strap Kitten Heel Pumps, New in Box –6AA, 1960s

By Elsa Schiaparelli

Located in Tucson, AZ

Owned by a French expatriate and shoe-hoarder, these incomparable slingbacks were adored but have remained unworn in their original box for sixty years. Featuring a modest, wearable ...

Category

1960s French Vintage Book Bags

Schiaparelli Gold Lace Jeweled T-Strap Kitten Heel Pumps, New in Box –6AA, 1960s

Size: size 6AA

Hermes Kelly 20cm (mini Kelly) Black Touch

By Hermès

Located in Sheffield, GB

Hermes Kelly 20cm (mini Kelly) Sellier, Madame, Shiny Alligator in Black with Gold Hardware (GHW). Brand new comes with box and full set, accessories and receipt. Stamp U.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vintage Book Bags

Hermes Kelly 20cm (mini Kelly) Black Touch

Rare Iconic Thierry Mugler Archival FW1995 Coat Houndstooth Jacket

By Thierry Mugler

Located in Berlin, BE

Archival Thierry Mugler Piece, FW1995 Collection. Extremely rare Thierry Mugler Star-Houndstooth Coat. Wearable Art. Legendary Thierry Mugler created his very own version of the cl...

Category

1990s French Vintage Book Bags

Rare Iconic Thierry Mugler Archival FW1995 Coat Houndstooth Jacket

Get Updated with New Arrivals

Save "Vintage Book Bags", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Vintage Book Bags For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, there are many options to choose from in our collection of vintage book bags. For vintage book bags, black is a pretty popular color, but we also have brown, gold, gray and more in stock now. If you’re looking for accessories from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find some that date back to the 20th Century while other versions may have been produced as recently as the 20th Century. Finding appealing vintage book bags such as these — no matter the origin — is easy, but Gucci, Moschino and Franco Moschino each produced popular versions that are worth a look. If you’re browsing our inventory for these accessories, you’ll find that many are available today for women, but there are still pieces to choose from for men and unisex.

How Much are Vintage Book Bags?

Prices for vintage book bags can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $195 and can go as high as $120,000, while these items, on average, fetch $1,148.

Questions About Vintage Book Bags

What is considered a vintage bag?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
What is considered a vintage bag may vary based on personal opinion. However, most experts agree that any handbag produced more than 50 years ago is a vintage accessory. On 1stDibs, you can find a wide range of vintage bags.
How can you tell if a Fendi bag is vintage?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 29, 2024
To tell if a Fendi bag is vintage, first look for its serial number. If your bag lacks one, it was likely produced before 1980. Since any Fendi piece over 20 years old is considered vintage, a piece that lacks a serial number will usually be a vintage bag. If you find a serial number, research it using trusted online resources to get a rough idea of its age. Alternatively, a certified appraiser or other knowledgeable expert can assist you with the dating process. Shop a variety of Fendi bags on 1stDibs.
What is considered vintage for Chanel bags?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 8, 2023
For Chanel bags, any piece produced more than 20 years ago is considered vintage. While Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel began to design handbags during the 1920s, the 2.55, which debuted in February 1955, is an iconic vintage Chanel bag. The brand's best-known bag, the Classic Double Flap bag, includes Chanel's signature quilting and leather interlaced through a chain strap. Chanel Classic flap bags have been going strong since Karl Lagerfeld updated the beloved 2.55 handbag in the 1980s with the addition of the interlocking double Cs on the flap. Other celebrated bag styles are the Gabrielle and Boy bags. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of vintage Chanel bags.
How do you date a vintage Gucci bag?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 8, 2024
To date a vintage Gucci bag, locate its serial number. You can usually find it on the reverse of the logo-stamped leather label inside the bag. While this number doesn't tell you the year of production, it does provide the style and batch numbers of the bag. Once you have the serial number, you can look it up in trusted online databases to find out when your bag was produced. If your bag doesn't have a serial number, it likely dates to before 1960, when Gucci first introduced serial numbers. Should you have difficulty determining the age of your bag, a certified appraiser or other knowledgeable expert can assist you. Explore a large selection of vintage and contemporary Gucci bags on 1stDibs.
How much is a vintage Chanel bag?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
Depending on the bag's material, a vintage Chanel can be quite expensive. For instance, a vintage crocodile top handle bag costs around $130,000. The classic quilted leather bag is around $10,000.
How do you date a vintage Chanel bag?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertJanuary 23, 2024
The best way to date a vintage Chanel bag depends on how old it is. For bags produced in 1986 or later, you can check the date code. By cross-checking the first two digits in the serial number with information provided by trusted online resources, you can get a rough idea of the year of production. For example, serial numbers starting with zero were produced from 1986 to 1988. If you can't find a serial number in your bag, you can enlist the services of a certified appraiser or knowledgeable dealer for assistance. Find a large selection of vintage Chanel bags on 1stDibs.
How can you tell if a Christian Dior bag is vintage?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023
To tell if a Christian Dior bag is vintage, check for a date code inside. Normally, it appears on a stitched leather tag in the lining. If the date is more than 20 years old, the bag is vintage. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Dior handbags.
Do vintage Gucci bags have serial numbers?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Sometimes. Whether or not a vintage Gucci bag has a serial number depends on its age. From the 1950s to the early 1970s, Gucci stamped bags with model numbers, not serial numbers. Serial numbers arrived in the late 1970s. They appeared on gold tags through the 1980s and on leather tags starting in the 1990s. Find a selection of expertly vetted Gucci bags on 1stDibs.
How much is a vintage Chanel bag worth?
1 Answer
House of CarverApril 3, 2021
Vintage Chanel bags can vary in price and at times be worth more than new production Chanel bags. It all depends on the model, condition, age, and rarity of the bag. A vintage Chanel bag in good condition can start at $2,000 and go up to $30,000.
How can I tell if a vintage Prada bag is real?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Several telltale signs allow you to authenticate a vintage Prada bag. Look at the logo for consistency — the Prada logo has a distinctive font, particularly the notch taken out of the “R." Fakes will often leave this detail out. All details, including patterns, fonts and stitching, should be neat and even. Prada uses the highest quality luxury leather to craft its bags, and a plastic-like smell or rough texture could indicate the bag is a fake. Find a collection of expertly-vetted Prada bags from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
How can I tell if a vintage Gucci bag is real?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
An authentic Gucci bag often has a serial number stitched on a tag in the bag's interior. Gucci serial numbers don't contain letters, and any letters present in the serial number are an indication that your bag is a fake. Check the bag for any signs of messy craftsmanship — luxury goods have impeccable stitching and stray threads are a warning sign. Ensure the hardware is of good quality and not rusted or chipped. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of expertly-vetted Gucci bags from some of the world’s top sellers.
Do vintage Chanel bags have real gold?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023
Yes, some vintage Chanel bags have real gold on their chain straps and hardware. Specifically, Chanel utilized 24-karat gold alloy plating on its pieces prior to 2008. After that, Chanel switched to a gold-tone metal that doesn't contain pure gold. Shop a selection of Chanel bags on 1stDibs.
Does Louis Vuitton repair vintage bags?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
Yes, Louis Vuitton repairs vintage bags at all of their retail locations. Unless the product is under warranty or is defective,however, the repair will come at a price.
Do vintage Hermès Constance bags have serial numbers?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 29, 2020
No, vintage Hermès Constance bags do not have serial numbers.
How do I tell if it’s an authentic vintage Pierre Balmain bag?
2 Answers
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
To tell if a Pierre Balmain vintage bag is authentic, first check the hardware. Balmain often stamped the brand name onto zipper pulls and fasteners. The lettering should appear crisp and evenly spaced. Balmain's tags changed greatly over time. Compare the ones in your bag to images of authenticated pieces available online. Shop a range of expertly vetted Pierre Balmain bags on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
There are a few ways to tell if your vintage Pierre Balmain is real. Authentic Pierre Balmain bags are made with brand tags, authenticity labels and serial numbers. Always purchase Balmain jackets from a reputable seller to ensure authenticity. Shop a collection of authentic Pierre Balmain from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.