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 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 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.
Tailored to elegant weekend escapes and polished business travel, this vintage Hermès Birkin 40 in black Ardennes leather with gold-plated hardware lends timeless sophistication. Carried by its rolled top handles from departure lounge to dinner reservation, it elevates every itinerary with classic Hermès refinement.
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 a Birkin 40? A: With external measurements of approximately 40 × 32 × 25 cm, this size comfortably holds a 16-inch laptop in a sleeve, A4/letter documents or a slim binder, a large wallet, phone, charger, a toiletry pouch, a water bottle, and a light jumper or scarf. Capacity depends on how you pack and whether you use an organiser.
Q: Is the Birkin 40 heavy to carry? A: It is a substantial, structured tote and feels noticeably heavier than smaller Birkin sizes, especially in robust leathers like Ardennes. Weight varies by leather and what you carry, so we recommend using a bag organiser and alternating arms for comfort.
Q: What is Ardennes leather and how does it wear? A: Ardennes (also known as Vachette Grainée des Ardennes) is a grained, processed calf leather prized for its durability, scratch resistance and shape retention. It has a firm hand and a pronounced grain, which helps it resist sagging. Many collectors consider it a workhorse leather that ages beautifully with proper care.
Q: Is Ardennes leather still produced by Hermès? A: No. Ardennes was discontinued in the early 2000s and succeeded by the similarly structured Vache Liegee. Vintage Ardennes pieces, especially in classic colours like black, are sought after for their sturdiness and look.
Q: Does the Birkin come with a shoulder strap or rings for one? A: Classic Birkins are designed for hand or crook-of-arm carry and do not come with a shoulder strap or strap rings. Some owners use third‑party strap adapters, but these may place stress on the leather and are not Hermès accessories. The handle drop on this piece is approximately 11 cm.
Q: Is the Birkin 40 suitable for air travel as a carry-on or personal item? A: Many travellers use the 40 as a smart travel tote. As airline rules vary, we recommend checking your carrier’s current cabin baggage allowances. The bag fits easily in most overhead bins and, depending on the airline, may be acceptable as a personal item when lightly packed.
Q: What accessories are included with this bag? A: This piece comes with a dust bag, padlock, keys and clochette, as listed on this page. Hermès padlocks and keys are typically numbered as a set; we ensure they function properly as part of our checks.
Q: How should I care for vintage Ardennes leather and the hardware? A: Wipe the leather gently with a soft, dry cloth after use and avoid prolonged exposure to water, heat or direct sunlight. Store it loosely stuffed in its dust bag in a cool, dry place. Hardware is plated (gold on this bag), so avoid abrasives and contact with perfumes or alcohol. For deep cleaning or restoration, consult Hermès after‑sales service or a trusted specialist.
Q: What does the stamp Square B (□B) mean on this bag? A: Hermès date stamps indicate the year of manufacture. A letter within a square denotes 1997–2014 production; the letter B in a square corresponds to 1998. On a Birkin, the stamp is usually found on the interior panel or sangle area, depending on year.
Q: Is the Birkin 40 a good work or unisex bag? A: Yes. The 40 is popular with anyone who prefers a larger, functional tote for work or travel. It fits a laptop and documents with ease, making it a practical yet iconic choice across styles and wardrobes.
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 offers free shipping to most EU countries. Click here to see the full list of eligible countries.
The shipping fee will be clearly shown during the checkout process. In some cases—such as during promotions or depending on your delivery location—shipping costs may vary. If no special rates apply, the standard international shipping fee of $49 will be charged.
We ship all orders from Sweden. Depending on your country’s import regulations, your order may be subject to customs duties, VAT, GST, or other local taxes upon arrival.
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.
If you have any questions about customs, duties, or taxes, feel free to contact our customer service team — we’re happy to help!
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.
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.
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.
/ Hermès
/ Bags
/ Handbags
/ Birkin Bags
62%
off retail price
• Black Ardennes leather
• Gold-plated hardware
• Dual rolled top handles
• Black leather lining with one internal zip pocket and one slip pocket
• Flap top with turn-lock closure
• Vintage
Customs fee and local taxes may apply upon delivery
Fast delivery, fully insured and traced
Export deal 15% off sitewide
Delivered with
dust bag, padlock, keys, clochette
Made in
France
Serial number:
Square B (1998)
Product number:
WZ648506
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.
