Vintage Celine Bifold Wallet in Black Box Calfskin with Embossed Macadam Shield
Bifold Wallet / Small Leather Good (SLG) · Celine (LVMH), a French luxury house known for understated elegance and 'bourgeois' Parisian style.
Collection: Macadam / Triomphe Vintage Accessory Line; part of the house's permanent historical leather goods before the Hedi Slimane or Phoebe Philo eras.
Style
Bifold Wallet / Small Leather Good (SLG)
Brand
Celine (LVMH), a French luxury house known for understated elegance and 'bourgeois' Parisian style.
Material
Premium Box Calfskin leather; machine-stitched along the periphery with matching tonal thread; burnished and painted edges; smooth grain finish characteristic of vintage French tannery standards.
Dimensions
Estimated Width: 11cm (4.3"), Height: 10cm (3.9"), Depth: 1.5cm (0.6"); standard pocket-sized bifold dimensions.
Description
A classic piece of Celine history, this bifold wallet exemplifies the brand's 'chic parisienne' aesthetic. The box calfskin offers a lustrous, smooth finish that develops a unique patina over time. Centered on the front is the heritage Macadam shield, a logo inspired by the chains surrounding the Arc de Triomphe.
Key Features
Deeply embossed Macadam shield logo; high-gloss box calfskin finish; minimalist square silhouette; tonal edge stitching.
Material & Construction
Premium Box Calfskin leather; machine-stitched along the periphery with matching tonal thread; burnished and painted edges; smooth grain finish characteristic of vintage French tannery standards.
Color & Pattern
Solid Black; features a central embossed 'Macadam' shield crest logo which was later reimagined by Hedi Slimane as the Triomphe.
Hardware Details
No external hardware visible on the front face; typically would feature a tonal or brass interior zipper or snap if present.
Interior Description
Likely lined in smooth tonal leather; standard configuration includes card slots, a bill compartment, and potentially a snap coin pouch.
Closure Type
Folding bifold design; open-access with no external mechanical closure.
Strap & Handle Details
N/A - This is a pocket wallet designed for hand-carry or storage within a larger handbag.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality box calf with a tight grain; consistent stitching tension; the embossing is deep and crisp without distorting the surrounding leather grain, indicating a high-pressure heat stamp process.
Authentication Indicators
The embossed logo font uses the correct vintage serif typeface; stitching follows a consistent count per inch (approx 8-10 SPI); the shield geometry is symmetrical and properly centered.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in Italy or France; Celine vintage leather goods during this period were primarily manufactured in Italian ateliers to high luxury standards.
Era & Period
Modern Vintage (Late 1980s to early 1990s); identified by the specific 'CELINE PARIS' shield logo used during the pre-LVMH era and early LVMH transition.
Age Estimate
Circa 1988–1995 based on the style of the embossed shield crest and the use of box calf leather.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Old Money' aesthetic of the 80s/90s Parisian bourgeoisie, which has seen a massive resurgence in popularity due to the 2020s 'quiet luxury' trend.
Condition Notes
Good Pre-owned Condition. Visible softening of leather at the corners; light surface scuffing characteristic of box leather; some creasing at the fold; structure remains intact but shows signs of gentle use.
Value Estimate
$150 - $275 USD; value is driven by the current market demand for vintage Celine 'Triomphe' era logos and the condition of the box calfskin.
Care & Maintenance
Condition with a high-quality wax-based leather balm; avoid excessive moisture as box calf can water-spot; store in a dust bag when not in use to prevent further corner scuffing.
Similar Handbags
Celine Triomphe Canvas Wallet (Modern alternative), Hermès Citizen Twill Wallet (Competitor), Givenchy Vintage Crest Wallet (Peer designer).
Interesting Facts
The Macadam logo was originally inspired by the chain-link pattern found on the Place de l'Étoile in Paris after founder Céline Vipiana's car broke down in front of the Arc de Triomphe.