Six vintage handbags to keep an eye on at auction this Christmas

Birkin bags are a symbol of luxury and exclusivity, and this Hermès exotic Porosus Birkin bag with crocodile leather in shiny bleu tempete – French for ‘storm’ – is no exception. Dating from 2011 and carrying condition grade C+, it is accompanied by dustbag, clochette, padlock and set of keys. Estimate £15,000-20,000.  

A 2006-2008 Chanel jumbo white caviar single flap bag with a white quilted Caviar leather exterior and white leather lined interior. Accompanied by dust bag and booklet. Condition grade B. Estimate £2500-3500.  

A 2010 condition grade B+ Birkin by Hermès with an Etoupe Clemence leather exterior and double leather top handles. It boasts a Chèvre leather lined interior with an inner slip pocket and an inner zip pocket. Accompanied by box, dust bag, bag raincoat, clochette, padlock and set of keys. Estimate £5000-7000.

For a bag that pops colour, you can’t get much better than this c.2003 Louis Viutton black multicolour monogram Speedy bag. Its multicolour monogram coated canvas exterior with vachetta leather trim and top handles, gold tone edges and a pocket at front with a Louis Vuitton engraved push lock closure opens to a taupe alcantara lined interior with an inner slip pocket. Accompanied by a key bell with keys for the zipper lock. Condition grade C+. Estimate £500-700.

A Burberry vintage red grained leather bag with double top handles. It opens to a beige checker canvas lined interior with a zip pocket. Condition grade C+. Estimate £100-150.

A Salvatore Ferragamo snakeskin mini bag in condition grade B.  Purple snakeskin leather exterior with purple leather and black suede lined interior with a single interior compartment and a gold tone clip for keys. Accompanied by dust bag. Estimate £200-400.