Louis Vuitton Monogram Cotteville 45 Suitcase

Q: What typically fits inside the Louis Vuitton Cotteville 45?
A: The Cotteville 45 is a compact hard‑sided suitcase, often described as an attaché case or a small overnighter. It is ideal for 1–2 days of travel, holding a change of clothes (e.g., a shirt and trousers), toiletries, and a small laptop or tablet. Its rigid structure protects contents well, but unlike soft bags, it does not stretch. Please refer to the Measurements on this page (approx. 45 × 34 × 11.5 cm) to ensure it meets your specific needs.

Q: Can I use this suitcase as carry‑on luggage?
A: Yes, the Cotteville 45 is generally accepted as cabin luggage by most major airlines, as its dimensions fall within standard carry‑on limits (typically 55 × 40 × 20 cm). However, as it is a hard trunk, it is heavier than soft bags even when empty. We recommend checking your airline’s specific weight and size restrictions before flying.

Q: What materials is this suitcase made from?
A: This piece is crafted from Louis Vuitton’s iconic Monogram canvas over a sturdy wooden or reinforced frame. It features a rolled Vachetta leather handle, brass corners and hardware, and a durable, washable interior lining (often Vuittonite or coated canvas) with support straps. The “External Condition” field details the specific patina and wear on this vintage item.

Q: How do I care for the brass hardware and canvas?
A: The brass corners and S‑lock on vintage trunks naturally oxidise and tarnish over time—a characteristic noted in this item’s description. To restore shine, use a specialist brass polish sparingly, ensuring no product touches the canvas or leather. The Monogram canvas can be wiped with a soft, damp cloth. The Vachetta leather handle should be kept dry and free from oils to preserve its patina.

Q: How does the closure work? Are keys included?
A: The suitcase closes with a central S‑lock and two complementary trunk latches on the sides, offering a very secure closure for transport. The S‑lock is designed to be locked with a specific key. Please check the “Accessories” section of this listing; if keys are not mentioned there (e.g., “no accessories”), they are not included, but the latches will still function to keep the case closed.

Q: What is the condition of this vintage item?
A: As a vintage piece, it shows signs of its journey. This listing describes the condition as “Very Good” but notes tarnished/discoloured hardware and marks on the internal material. The Vachetta leather handle will have developed a honey-to-dark patina. We recommend viewing all photos closely to appreciate the character of this specific suitcase.

Q: Where are the brand markings and serial number located?
A: Unlike soft bags which use date codes, hard‑sided Louis Vuitton luggage typically features a unique serial number (often 6 digits, e.g., 950111) printed on a label inside or stamped near the handle. This number can sometimes be used to date the piece via archives. You will also find the “LOUIS VUITTON Paris” stamp on the interior tag and the S‑lock hardware.

Q: What accessories are included with this item?
A: Any included items (e.g., luggage tag, keys, dust bag) are listed under the “Accessories” field. For this specific listing, it is noted as having “no accessories,” meaning it will arrive as the suitcase alone.

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, hardware finish, construction techniques, stamps, and serial numbers. We stand behind the authenticity of all items we sell.