Burberry Haymarket Check Medium Tote with Dark Brown Leather Trim
Tote, specifically a rectangular open-top or zip-top shoulder tote with slender leather handles. · Burberry (Burberry Group PLC). Tier: Heritage Luxury. Renowned for British craftsmanship and the invention of gabardine.
Collection: Haymarket Check Collection. This is a permanent heritage line that distinguishes itself from the 'Nova Check' by the inclusion of the Prorsum Equestrian Knight motif within the pattern.
Style
Tote, specifically a rectangular open-top or zip-top shoulder tote with slender leather handles.
Brand
Burberry (Burberry Group PLC). Tier: Heritage Luxury. Renowned for British craftsmanship and the invention of gabardine.
Material
Coated canvas exterior (PVC-based for durability/water resistance) with grained calfskin leather trim and handles. Machine-stitched construction with painted edge finishing on the leather trim.
Dimensions
Width: 35cm (13.7"), Height: 24cm (9.5"), Depth: 12cm (4.7"), Strap Drop: 22cm (8.5"). Medium-sized variant.
Description
A quintessential British heritage piece, this Burberry tote features the iconic Haymarket Check, a pattern originally used as trench coat lining in the 1920s. Its structured yet flexible coated canvas makes it an ideal daily companion, offering a blend of utilitarian durability and high-fashion recognition. The dark leather trim provides a sophisticated contrast to the warm tan palette of the check.
Key Features
The 'Prorsum Knight' motif centered within the stripes (identifying it as Haymarket, not Nova Check), the grained texture of the canvas, and the specific 'Burberry' debossing on the leather tabs.
Material & Construction
Coated canvas exterior (PVC-based for durability/water resistance) with grained calfskin leather trim and handles. Machine-stitched construction with painted edge finishing on the leather trim.
Color & Pattern
Haymarket Check: A beige/tan base with black, white, and red intersecting stripes. Features the faded 'Prorsum Knight' logo embedded periodically in the check pattern. Trim is in 'Chocolate' or dark mahogany brown.
Hardware Details
Gold-tone hardware. Includes D-rings at the handle base and potentially a branded zipper pull if it is the zip-top version. The metal typically has a soft, polished gold finish.
Interior Description
Usually lined in dark brown textile (canvas or nylon) or unlined coated canvas. Features a side zip pocket with a leather logo tab and typically two small slip pockets for mobile devices.
Closure Type
Depending on specific sub-model, either an open top with a magnetic snap tab or a recessed top-zip closure.
Strap & Handle Details
Dual flat leather shoulder straps attached via metal D-rings. Non-adjustable, designed for over-the-shoulder or crook-of-the-arm carry.
Craftsmanship Details
Consistent machine stitching (approx. 8-10 stitches per inch). Balanced proportions on the Knight logo stamp. Painted edges on the straps should be thick and smooth, not runny.
Authentication Indicators
Alignment of the check pattern (stripes should be symmetric), weight and texture of the coated canvas (it should not feel 'plasticky' or oily), and the clarity of the Knight motif. Stitching on the leather tabs should be straight and evenly spaced.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely Made in Italy or Made in China. During this period, Burberry utilized various high-standard global ateliers, with premium lines often originating in Italy.
Era & Period
Late 1990s to mid-2000s 'Logo-Mania' era. This design reflects the brand's shift under Rose Marie Bravo and Christopher Bailey to modernize the house's heritage codes.
Age Estimate
Circa 2005-2012. The specific iteration of the Haymarket canvas and the handle attachment style are indicative of mid-2000s production.
Cultural Significance
This bag represents the 2000s 'It-Bag' culture where heritage patterns became symbols of accessible luxury. It remains a staple of the 'Preppy' or 'Old Money' aesthetic revival.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Visible scuffing and loss of the Knight motif (rubbing) on the canvas. The leather trim shows wear, and the bag exhibits some structural sagging (loss of rigidity). Hardware appears slightly tarnished.
Value Estimate
$250 - $450 USD in the current resale market, depending on the severity of the canvas rubbing and interior cleanliness.
Care & Maintenance
Clean canvas with a damp cloth and mild soap. Condition the leather handles to prevent cracking. Store stuffed with acid-free tissue in a dust bag. Avoid overexposure to heat which can cause PVC coating to peel.
Similar Handbags
Louis Vuitton Neverfull (monogram), Gucci GG Supreme Tote, Burberry Canter Tote (slim straps, different bottom). Different from the Nova Check tote which lacks the Knight logo.
Interesting Facts
The Haymarket Check is named after the location of Burberry's first London store. Unlike the Nova Check, the Haymarket version is considered more 'traditional' and was historically more expensive.