Vintage Burberrys Haymarket Check Document Case / Clutch
Clutch / Document Case / Portfolio · Burberrys of London (now Burberry). Tier: Luxury. Established British heritage brand known for its trench coats and signature plague check.
Collection: Burberry Accessoires (Pre-1999 Line). This is part of the established Haymarket Check collection, a permanent staple of the era.
Style
Clutch / Document Case / Portfolio
Brand
Burberrys of London (now Burberry). Tier: Luxury. Established British heritage brand known for its trench coats and signature plague check.
Material
Coated canvas body with smooth leather trim. Construction features piped edge finishing and structured machine-stitching typical of vintage Burberry manufacturing.
Dimensions
Estimated Width: 30-33 cm (12-13 inches), Height: 22-25 cm (8.5-10 inches), Depth: Flat to 2 cm (0.75 inches). This is a standard A4/Letter document size variant.
Description
A classic piece of British fashion history, this vintage document case showcases the iconic Haymarket Check. The silhouette is slim and professional, designed to carry documents, slim tablets, or evening essentials. Its understated elegance and historical 'Burberrys' logo make it a sought-after piece for vintage collectors.
Key Features
Plural 'Burberrys' branding on the front leather patch; Horse-and-Knight 'Prorsum' logo inside the check pattern; curved front pocket seam; dark brown leather piping.
Material & Construction
Coated canvas body with smooth leather trim. Construction features piped edge finishing and structured machine-stitching typical of vintage Burberry manufacturing.
Color & Pattern
Haymarket Check: A variation of the classic Nova Check featuring the Prorsum Knight emblem integrated into the pattern. Colors include tan, cream, black, and red set against an olive/tan background.
Hardware Details
Gold-tone hardware, likely brass. Hardware includes a small zipper pull and a front leather emblem plaque featuring the embossed Prorsum Knight logo.
Interior Description
Typically lined in a brown cross-grain leather or a cotton-blend textile. Usually includes a single main compartment with a gold foil 'Burberrys' heat stamp.
Closure Type
Zip-around or top-zip closure with a leather-trimmed pull tab.
Strap & Handle Details
This model is a clutch/portfolio and does not feature handles or a shoulder strap; it is designed to be carried under the arm or by hand.
Craftsmanship Details
Features tight machine stitching (approx. 8-10 stitches per inch), heavy-duty coated canvas meant for durability, and hand-finished leather piping.
Authentication Indicators
The embossed logo on the leather oval is crisp; font spacing in 'Burberrys' is consistent with vintage era; the knight emblem contains high detail; stitching is even and dense.
Origin & Manufacturing
Origin: Likely Made in Italy or England. Manufacturing follows high-quality mass luxury standards of the late 20th century.
Era & Period
Late 1980s to early 1990s. The 'Burberrys' (with an 's') branding was used exclusively prior to the 1999 rebrand to 'Burberry'.
Age Estimate
Circa 1988–1995 based on the 'Burberrys' plural branding and the specific shade of the coated canvas.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Sloane Ranger' aesthetic of the 80s/90s. Burberry checks were a symbol of upper-class British country life before becoming a global streetwear icon.
Condition Notes
Very Good. The canvas appears well-preserved with no visible cracking. Corner wear is minimal. The leather trim shows slight indentation but maintains its rich color. Structure is intact.
Value Estimate
Current Resale Market Value: $150 – $350 USD depending on interior condition and proof of authenticity.
Care & Maintenance
Clean coated canvas with a damp cloth; use a leather conditioner on the brown trim to prevent drying; store flat in a dust bag to maintain the silhouette.
Similar Handbags
Celine Vintage Macadam Mac Clutch (similar PVC/Leather combo), Gucci Vintage Ophidia Portfolio (different monogram), Louis Vuitton Etui Voyage.
Interesting Facts
The 's' was dropped from 'Burberrys' in 1999 to modernize the brand. Items with the old logo are now considered 'archival' and have seen a resurgence in popularity due to the 90s nostalgia trend.