We make luxury accessible for all. We are proud to offer only the finest certified vintage and second-hand fashion accessories from the world's most exclusive fashion houses. All products meet our strict standard of excellence.
We are proud to offer only the finest certified vintage and second-hand fashion accessories from the world's most exclusive fashion houses. All products meet our strict standard of excellence | About us
From weekday errands to dinner dates, this vintage Céline Horse Carriage shoulder bag in dark brown leather with gold‑toned hardware brings timeless poise. A tidy, multi-compartment interior and secure flap closure make it perfect for city strolls, gallery visits, or events where only the essentials are needed.
Please note that the majority of our items are vintage and therefore have tales to tell unless stated otherwise. Therefore, please look at pictures, descriptions and measurements provided as they give you the best idea of the story this item has to tell.
* Please note that when you buy a vintage product, the dimensions may vary slightly from a new one depending on previous care and storage.
Q: What typically fits inside the Céline Horse Carriage Shoulder Bag? A: With approximate measurements of 26 × 18 × 6 cm, it’s ideal for daily essentials: a large smartphone, compact wallet or cardholder, keys, slim sunglasses in a soft case, earbuds and a small cosmetics pouch. An A5 diary fits; A4 documents do not lie flat. Capacity can vary slightly with the interior partitioning—please refer to our photos or ask for a tailored fit check for this exact piece.
Q: Will it fit a tablet or e‑reader? A: Slim compact tablets/e‑readers (e.g., iPad mini/Kindle) generally fit. An 11‑inch tablet is usually a squeeze due to the structured flap and internal compartments; it may fit without a bulky case but won’t leave much room for other items. Share your device’s dimensions and we’ll happily test the fit in this exact bag.
Q: Is the strap adjustable and can I wear it crossbody? A: The single flat shoulder strap is adjustable (approx. 22–32 cm drop based on our listing). It’s designed for shoulder carry; most wearers will find it too short for true crossbody use. If you need crossbody functionality, a strap extender or aftermarket longer strap may help—contact us for advice before purchasing.
Q: How secure is the closure and what is the interior layout? A: It features a flap closure with the signature Horse Carriage clasp for everyday security. Inside, you’ll find tonal leather lining with multiple compartments and one internal zipped pocket to keep valuables organised. Our listing photos show the exact layout of this piece.
Q: What is the Horse Carriage (also called “Sulky”) clasp and when was it used? A: The equestrian horse‑and‑carriage motif is a historic Céline emblem introduced in the late 1960s and widely seen on leather goods through the 1970s–1980s. Many vintage flap and shoulder bags from this era carry the “Sulky” clasp, making them desirable heritage pieces.
Q: Is this model still produced? A: This shoulder bag configuration is considered vintage/discontinued. While Céline has revisited equestrian motifs in recent collections, this specific Horse Carriage flap style is typically found on the pre‑loved market rather than in current boutiques.
Q: Where are the brand markings and codes typically found on vintage Céline bags? A: Expect an interior heat‑stamp such as “CELINE PARIS – MADE IN ITALY” (this piece is labelled Made in Italy). Vintage Céline usually has a small alphanumeric date/production code tucked along a seam or behind/inside a pocket. Note that Céline date codes are not unique identifiers (unlike some brands) and can repeat; placement and format vary by era.
Q: What leather is this and how should I care for it? A: Many Horse Carriage bags were crafted in smooth, box‑calf‑type leather that develops a beautiful patina and can show fine hairline scratches. Wipe with a soft, dry cloth; avoid water, oils and alcohol‑based cleaners. Condition sparingly with a high‑quality neutral leather conditioner after testing on a discreet area. Store upright, lightly stuffed, in a breathable dust bag, and keep hardware from rubbing the leather during storage.
Q: The hardware shows light scratches—can they be improved? A: Gold‑tone hardware naturally develops micro‑scratches with wear. Light marks often reduce with a gentle buff using a clean, soft cloth; deeper wear or plating loss should be handled by a professional leather/metal restoration specialist rather than DIY polishes that may remove finish.
Q: What accessories are included and how is authenticity guaranteed? A: This listing states no accessories are included. Every item at A Retro Tale undergoes rigorous multi‑point authentication by our in‑house experts, examining materials, stitching, hardware, stamps, date/production codes and overall construction. We stand behind the authenticity of every piece we sell.
SHIPPING
All orders are insured and trackable. Once your shipment has been issued, a link to our Track & Trace service will be provided where you can track your shipment and check delivery status online.
A Retro Tale is registered for UK VAT. All prices on the website include shipping, customs, and VAT for deliveries to the UK.
These charges are typically collected by the shipping carrier at the time of delivery and are not included in the product price.
We offer secure shipping via DHL and UPS with the following delivery time:
Outside Europe: 3-6 business days.
RETURNS
A Retro Tale offers 14 days return policy upon receipt of your order.
In order to request a return, please email [email protected] with your order number and state ”return request” in your email. From there, our Customer Support will confirm that your return request has been approved and further instructions will be provided by email.
Please note that the return shipping fee is covered by the returnee and all return shippings to A Retro Tale must be traceable. Thus, please retain your receipt of shipping and tracking number until your return has been completed and you have received your refund.
AUTHENTICITY GUARANTEED
A Retro Tale specialises in vintage and pre-owned goods from the world's most loved fashion houses. We guarantee that all of our products are 100 percent authentic. Every item sold on our site undergoes a rigorous authentication process, in which our experts delve deep into the heritage of a brand via its craftsmanship techniques. This requires a rigorous and methodical process.
For us, authentication is about more than expertise; it offers a fascinating insight into the history of fashion and the craftsmanship involved in production.
Please allow up to 10 business days for your return to be completed from the return shipping date as shipping time might vary depending on shipping country and shipping provider.
/ Céline
/ Bags
/ Shoulder bags
586 £
• Dark brown leather
• Gold-toned hardware
• Single flat shoulder strap
• Tonal leather lining with multiple compartments and one internal zipped pocket
• Flap closure with Horse Carriage clasp
• Vintage
The authenticity of this bag has been checked and verified by our experts who have over 10 years of experience in vintage and luxury bags. We also use a well established 3rd party authentication tool to verify our bags.
