The best vintage Louis Vuitton bags : names, prices, and how to choose
As Louis Vuitton’s quality continues to decline, more vintage lovers are turning to second hand designer handbags and the vintage market in particular.
The goal of this article is to explain what Louis Vuitton vintage is. It will review the most popular and timeless vintage silhouettes, and discuss what you should consider before buying vintage items.
We have compiled a list of the most desirable vintage Louis Vuitton bags under $1,000 (most of them are actually under $500) with their names and pictures for handbag lovers looking for a gorgeous vintage Louis Vuitton purse. Let’s get started!
How Do You Identify a Vintage Louis Vuitton Bag?
Let’s define vintage bags first. A vintage item is one that dates back to a previous era. As vintage literally means ‘of age,’ it is difficult to set a specific age limit. To qualify as a vintage item, an item must be at least 40 years old.
Handbags and accessories are a bit more complicated. Less than 100 years ago, most designer bag companies, such as Louis Vuitton and Chanel, began manufacturing bags.
We consider a designer purse vintage if it’s over 20 years old. Thus, a generation has passed and fashion has circled back and forth a few times. Furthermore, this time frame suggests you may have inherited this item from a family member.
The 14 best vintage Louis Vuitton bags and purses under $1,000
Our article shares 14 vintage Louis Vuitton handbags that we think might be worthwhile finds. Vintage crossbody bags, shoulder bags, and backpacks made of Louis Vuitton canvas will be discussed.
Do vintage Louis Vuitton handbags last longer?
Some handbag collectors claim vintage Louis Vuitton bags are of higher quality. It’s true what they say. Items were supposed to last longer back then. Therefore, the canvas was more durable.
What is the price of vintage Louis Vuitton bags?
A vintage purse’s price largely depends on its condition, so it’s difficult to set a price tag. Currently, these handbags are over 20 years old. They come in all kinds of condition, from a like-new purse that was never taken out of the closet to junk that was almost falling apart to spare parts.
The handbags and purses listed below are available in acceptable used condition for under $1,000.
Styles of vintage Louis Vuitton handbags
Since we, modern women, love to keep our hands free, a significant portion of our bag closet consists of crossbody and shoulder bags.
Bags were a totally different animal 30-40 years ago. The purse didn’t have to be spacious since you didn’t need to carry your laptop (there wasn’t one available). In those days, purses were more something you carried to an event than a daily accessory that fit your books or laptop.
Here we review authentic vintage Louis Vuitton bags in this section, including:
- Speedy Louis Vuitton vintage
- A vintage Louis Vuitton Sac Plat tote bag
- Louis Vuitton Keepall bag, vintage
- Handbag vintage Louis Vuitton Ellipse
Check out some of the iconic vintage silhouettes from the French high-end purse manufacturer that are sure to make you fall in love with them. We will follow up with names and pictures!
Speedy Louis Vuitton vintage
Speedy was originally created for Audrey Hepburn and became Louis Vuitton’s most popular purse. Since Speedy handbags have been produced for over 80 years, many versions and sizes are available, with the Monogram Canvas Bags pattern dominating the big picture.
This vintage Louis Vuitton doctor bag is a timeless addition to your bag collection that your grandchildren can inherit. Although the quality of your Speedy is so much better than that of its current version (other than wear and tear), it is impossible to tell when it was made.
You can also find a birthday Speedy, i.e. a bag produced in the month you were born. Isn’t it magical?
Check out vintage Louis Vuitton Speedy on eBay, which has a variety of options to fit any budget.
A vintage Louis Vuitton Sac Plat tote bag
Take a look at this vintage beautiful purse that honors the 1980s if structured flat handbags are your thing. Today, this classic flat silhouette is still relevant for documents and papers.
The Sac Plat is a vintage Louis Vuitton bag manufactured between 1982 and 2015. Over the past 30 years, it has become one of the signature vintage LV handbags, available in Monogram Canvas (vintage) and Damier Ebene canvas (mid-2010s). Sac Plat was discontinued for a few years, but recently the French designer house brought it back. They designed a miniature version in several limited edition patterns, such as Monogram Pastel.
Louis Vuitton Keepall bag, vintage
I think it’s hard not to mention a Keepall, the predecessor of the Speedy, when discussing vintage Louis Vuitton bags. Originally a travel bag without a strap, it has evolved into a classic gym/weekend bag available in a variety of sizes.
Although Keepall is not a bag you would wear every day, it is still precious because it represents a part of the history of the French luggage maker. The bag is still produced and looks exactly the same. Therefore, if you find one in good condition, no one will even notice that it is over 30 years old.
Handbag vintage Louis Vuitton Ellipse
The Ellipse is another iconic Louis Vuitton handbag that has been discontinued. It comes in PM (medium) and MM (large). Definitely reminiscent of the 90s, this vintage monogram bag was a huge hit between 1997 and 2003.
Only a few bags can boast of being as unique as the Ellipse. Those familiar with Louis Vuitton handbags will appreciate this beauty. On eBay, it’s less than $500.
Styles of vintage Louis Vuitton crossbody bags
Let’s take a look at vintage crossbody styles after reviewing LV bags UAE‘s most popular vintage handbags.
This section provides an overview of old-style authentic crossbody bags in Monogram canvas:
- Nile Messenger by Louis Vuitton
- A vintage Louis Vuitton Danube crossbody bag
- A vintage Louis Vuitton Monceau crossbody bag
- Louis Vuitton Saumur Satchel, vintage
Nile messenger bag by Louis Vuitton
A timeless unisex crossbody, Nile is no different from the messengers currently available on Louis Vuitton’s website. Even though the materials are durable, there is definitely a vintage flair. It will become an heirloom with this quality of canvas.
There are now two styles available for this messenger. The first version was released before the date code era, so there is no vachetta on the bottom. In the 1980s and 1990s, most of the next one was produced.
Having dimensions of W11.0″ x H8.3″ x D5.1″, this vintage Louis Vuitton messenger bag is spacious enough to become your favorite everyday designer bag. And best of all, it’s under $500, again on eBay.
A vintage Louis Vuitton Danube crossbody bag
Look no further if you’ve been struggling to find a compact crossbody that can fit only the essentials.
There are two versions of this cute daily companion. It belongs to the end of the 1970s, a pre-date code era (on the left), and does not have vachetta leather. The other one has vachetta and was mostly produced in the 1980s (on the right).
It’s hard to attribute this small crossbody to a specific year or decade since it’s so versatile. In addition to being timeless, the Danube is also very affordable.
A vintage Louis Vuitton Monceau crossbody bag
An iconic Louis Vuitton Pochette Metis bag, the Monceau is a vintage monogram bag with a crossbody strap. While bag names change, this silhouette remains timeless.
If you love the Pochette Metis silhouette, but want something more exquisite with a story, you need a Monceau.
Louis Vuitton Saumur Satchel, vintage
Saumur is a timeless vintage Louis Vuitton satchel that is sure to catch your eye. It looks just like any modern handbag with a bit of vintage flair. You will be able to find a vintage Saumur according to your budget and condition requirements on secondhand platforms.
A Saumur satchel has been in production since the 1980s and 1990s. You can find a nice option from a Japanese seller on eBay for less than $500 despite its age.
Louis Vuitton vintage shoulder bag styles
There are a variety of vintage Louis Vuitton totes and shoulder bags available. The following bags will be reviewed next:
- A vintage Louis Vuitton Neverfull Tote bag
- A vintage Louis Vuitton Cabas Piano/Mezzo bag
- Louis Vuitton Sac Weekend GM vintage
- Cousin PM/GM Louis Vuitton vintage
- Bucket shoulder bag vintage Louis Vuitton Noe
- Bucket shoulder bag vintage Louis Vuitton Sac Epoule
Let’s start with one of the most popular fashion houses’ handbags, a vintage Neverfull.
A vintage Louis Vuitton Neverfull Tote bag
As Louis Vuitton Neverfull was released only in 2007, there is no such thing as a vintage Neverfull, because vintage handbags are at least 20 years old. Yet.
It is worth noting, however, that Neverfull offers numerous limited editions that can sometimes be considered vintage. Explore 3000+ bags on eBay and find your dream bag from our list of Neverfull limited editions.
A vintage Louis Vuitton Cabas Piano/Mezzo bag
This is a classic shoulder bag in the iconic monogram canvas for anyone who wants just that. Your lifestyle can be accommodated by one of three sizes.
In contrast to most modern Louis Vuitton totes, a vintage Cabas costs around $300-400 for a purse in well-used condition. With such a smart purchase, you can save a lot of money!
Louis Vuitton Sac Weekend GM vintage
It is one of the few classic vintage totes without a vachetta. Since Louis Vuitton used a type of leather that had no patina at that time, the wear is barely noticeable.
If you compare the price to retail Louis Vuitton prices for a similar item ($1,500-S1,600), this vintage purse will cost you around $300-$400.
Cousin PM/GM Louis Vuitton vintage
Over time, Cousin changed its appearance.
The Cousin handbag is an outrageously expensive puffy envelope with a massive gold chain. However, that’s no longer the case.
Coussin used to be a stylish flat shoulder tote. Vintage Cousin shoulder totes look so fresh that it’s difficult to believe they are no longer produced. It reminds me of a more recent version of the Odeon crossbody bag.
Noe drawstring bag from Vintage Louis Vuitton
This vintage Louis Vuitton bucket bag dates back to the 60s-70s, with Noe bags in production since the 1930s. Bucket bags in good condition date back to the 80s and 90s, though.
Noe is another design masterpiece that pairs a classic silhouette with a variety of textures and prints. It is designed to hold up to five bottles of champagne. A vintage Noe is available in monogram canvas and Epi leather.
Bucket bag vintage Louis Vuitton Sac D’Epoule
Noe and Sac d’Epoule are very similar. You can choose between these two purses if you like vintage bucket bags. The Sac d’Epoule is more sophisticated, while the Noe carries the brand’s history and is more recognizable. Sac d’Epoule is only available in Epi leather.
Summary
Now that you’ve seen all the best vintage Louis Vuitton bags, you can choose the one that’s right for you. Don’t forget to authenticate the item before purchasing. Below you’ll find more information.
Issues with vintage Louis Vuitton bags’ interior linings
There are several things you need to know before purchasing a vintage Louis Vuitton purse.
The vintage monogram canvas is everlasting, as we mentioned earlier. The inside material, however, is not. Because these purses are over 20 years old, not only do they show more wear, but they can also surprise you.
The interior of a vintage purse usually looks like this. This purse is probably older than us, so it may be a bit dusty.
A vintage purse’s interior lining is one of its worst surprises. The surface layer starts to peel off. Sadly, it’s very hard to predict whether it will happen to your handbag or not if it’s an old handbag.
Whenever you purchase a vintage Louis Vuitton purse, ask your seller if the interior has been damaged. Additionally, we recommend checking the pockets specifically, since the surface layer there can become extremely sticky over time.
What is the value of vintage Louis Vuitton bags?
There may be issues with vintage Louis Vuitton handbags, but it’s still fascinating to see an accessory as old as you (or may be even older). Vintage appeals to people because of its story.
One of the reasons is that it’s fascinating. Vintage price quality ratio justifies any issues you may face as a community of handbag collectors and fashionistas. Vintage bags and accessories not only provide excellent value for money, but they also help to reduce our environmental impact. Vintage purchases are savvy, responsible purchases.
Authentication of vintage Louis Vuitton bags
Last year, 55% of designer bags we authenticated were fakes. It means two things, if you think about it. Over 50% of sellers who claim their item is authentic are actually selling fake items, consciously or unconsciously.
In addition, there is a 50% chance that a purse lover will end up wasting a lot of money on a replica instead of investing in a designer purse. Make sure you don’t give counterfeiters your hard-earned money.
With our free online date code/serial number checker, you can start authenticating vintage Louis Vuitton. We have 25+ years of experience with preloved luxury items, including Louis Vuitton brand items.
Authentication can be done in three ways:
Verbal Authentication
When you need to determine whether a bag is real or fake for yourself (e.g. when you are buying something)
Certificate of Authenticity
A certificate is useful when you need one for any reason, such as selling a bag with peace of mind or returning a fake bag to its seller
Certificate of Authenticity with a thorough explanation
If you need a certificate and want to know why the bag is authentic/not authentic, either sell the bag with peace of mind or to return a fake bag to the seller.
More than 10 pictures are included to explain why the bag is fake (detailed pictures and comparisons with an authentic bag).
Frequently Asked Questions