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
Perfect for weekend brunches, gallery visits and city errands, the Louis Vuitton Monogram Papillon 30 blends iconic Monogram coated canvas with dual shoulder straps and a secure zip. A vintage classic that moves effortlessly from day to night, polishing everything from jeans to a tailored coat.
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 are the measurements and what typically fits in the Papillon 30? A: The Papillon 30 is approximately 30 × 15 × 15 cm. It comfortably holds a long wallet, smartphone, keys, sunglasses case, a small cosmetics pouch and a 500 ml water bottle. Compact tablets such as an iPad mini fit; full‑size tablets and A4 documents do not. Please refer to the Measurements on this page for exact sizing. ([brandcoparis.com](https://www.brandcoparis.com/prod/handbag/papillon-30-20/))
Q: Can it be worn on the shoulder? A: Many wear the Papillon 30 on the shoulder with light layers, though fit varies by build and clothing. The strap drop on this piece is about 15 cm, so it also carries well by hand or in the crook of the arm. ([forum.purseblog.com](https://forum.purseblog.com/threads/papillon-30-a-shoulder-bag.6639/))
Q: Is this the discontinued vintage model? A: Yes, the classic cylindrical Papillon in Monogram canvas is no longer produced. It is widely reported to have been discontinued around 2009, with later collections reintroducing modern Papillon‑inspired styles. ([etoile-luxuryvintage.com](https://etoile-luxuryvintage.com/blogs/the-history-of/history-of-the-bag-louis-vuitton-papillon))
Q: Did the Papillon 30 originally come with a small matching pouch? A: Some Papillon 30 sets were sold with a small cylindrical pouch that echoed the bag’s shape, but not every Papillon 30 included it. Everything included with this specific item is listed under the product information section; this piece does not include additional items. ([fellows.co.uk](https://www.fellows.co.uk/blog/designer/2025/08/11/lv-legends-papillon))
Q: What does the date code NO1904 mean on this bag? A: Louis Vuitton’s pre‑2007 four‑digit format uses the 1st and 3rd digits for the month and the 2nd and 4th for the year. “NO1904” decodes to October 1994. The “NO” factory letters indicate production in France. Note that date codes assist with dating but do not, by themselves, authenticate an item. ([yoogiscloset.com](https://www.yoogiscloset.com/authenticate/louis-vuitton/))
Q: What are the materials and lining? A: The Papillon 30 is crafted in Monogram coated canvas with natural cowhide (vachetta) trim and typically features a brown cross‑grain leather interior, known for its durability and easy upkeep. ([fashionphile.com](https://www.fashionphile.com/products/louis-vuitton-monogram-papillon-30-1847705))
Q: How should I care for the canvas and vachetta leather? A: Coated canvas is hard‑wearing and can be wiped with a soft, slightly damp cloth. Keep vachetta leather dry and away from oils; it will develop a natural patina over time. Store the bag loosely stuffed in a breathable dust bag, away from direct sunlight and humidity. Avoid heavy rain and harsh cleaners. ([us.louisvuitton.com](https://us.louisvuitton.com/eng-us/faq/products/leather-goods-product-care))
Q: Are the straps delicate on vintage Papillon bags? A: Vachetta straps can dry out and, with age and heavy loads, may show cracking. To minimise stress, avoid overfilling the bag, keep leather nourished sparingly with a suitable conditioner, and rotate use. ([handbagholic.co.uk](https://www.handbagholic.co.uk/blog/how-to-clean-louis-vuitton-leather-including-vachetta/))
Q: How do you authenticate this bag? A: Every item at A Retro Tale is rigorously vetted by our in‑house experts using multi‑point checks of materials, stitching, hardware, stamps and date codes. We stand behind the authenticity of all items we sell and can provide further details on request.
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.
/ Louis Vuitton
/ Bags
/ Handbags
573 £
• Monogram coated canvas with brown leather trim
• Brass hardware
• Dual flat shoulder straps
• Brown cross-grain leather lining
• Zip closure
• 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.
