Vintage Burberrys Haymarket Check Document Pouch / Clutch
Clutch / Document Pouch / Portfolio Bag · Burberrys (now Burberry), British luxury heritage brand, positioned in the luxury tier known for high-end outerwear and accessories.
Collection: Haymarket Check Collection, a permanent heritage line featuring the Knight and Horse logo within the check pattern.
Style
Clutch / Document Pouch / Portfolio Bag
Brand
Burberrys (now Burberry), British luxury heritage brand, positioned in the luxury tier known for high-end outerwear and accessories.
Material
Coated canvas body with brown grained leather trim. Construction features machine-stitched piping and an oval leather logo patch. The canvas is water-resistant and durable.
Dimensions
Approximately 30cm (W) x 22cm (H) x 2cm (D). Fits small documents or a 10-12 inch tablet.
Description
This vintage oversized clutch represents the quintessential British prep aesthetic. Utilizing the iconic Haymarket Check, it serves as a sophisticated document holder or a bold day-clutch, capturing the logo-driven luxury of the late 20th century.
Key Features
Haymarket check featuring the knight logo within the pattern; 'Burberrys' logo with the 's'; curved leather-piped front pocket; slim profile.
Material & Construction
Coated canvas body with brown grained leather trim. Construction features machine-stitched piping and an oval leather logo patch. The canvas is water-resistant and durable.
Color & Pattern
Haymarket Check pattern in tan, black, white, and red, featuring the subtle Prorsum Knight overlay. Trim is a dark chocolate brown.
Hardware Details
No visible exterior hardware; typically features a brass zipper on the main compartment and potentially gold-tone logo stamping on the leather patch.
Interior Description
Typically lined in brown textile or smooth leather with one main compartment and occasionally a slim inner slip pocket.
Closure Type
Top zipper closure (likely hidden by the piping) with an exterior front slip pocket featuring a curved opening.
Strap & Handle Details
Strapless design intended to be carried by hand as a clutch or tucked inside a larger briefcase/tote.
Craftsmanship Details
High-precision pattern alignment; tight, even stitching on the leather trim; robust coated canvas designed for longevity.
Authentication Indicators
Symmetry of the check pattern; high-quality gold embossing on the leather patch; consistent machine stitching; correct 'Burberrys' font for the era.
Origin & Manufacturing
Origin would be England or Italy, meeting the brand's production standards for that era.
Era & Period
Late 1980s to early 1990s. The 'Burberrys' name with an 's' was the official brand name until 1999.
Age Estimate
Circa 1985-1995 based on the 'Burberrys' branding and the specific style of the Knight crest leather patch.
Cultural Significance
The check pattern was originally only a lining for house coats; items like this pouch helped transition the pattern into a global status symbol during the 80s and 90s.
Condition Notes
Good vintage condition. Minor surface wear on canvas, slight fading of the gold leaf on the leather logo patch, and typical softening of the piping structure.
Value Estimate
$150 - $350 USD depending on the interior cleanliness and the preservation of the gold logo stamping.
Care & Maintenance
Wipe coated canvas with a damp cloth; use a leather conditioner on the brown piping; store flat in a dust bag to maintain the slim silhouette.
Similar Handbags
Vintage Burberry Check Washbag (larger/boxier), Gucci Monogram Portfolio (competitor equivalent), Celine Macadam Pouch.
Interesting Facts
The 's' was dropped from the Burberry name in 1999 as part of a major rebranding effort to modernize the company under Rose Marie Bravo.