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.
Perfect for weekend city strolls or a relaxed lunch, this vintage Hermès Picotin Lock 18 in red Clemence leather adds a pop of colour to effortless outfits. With dual top handles and palladium-plated hardware, it carries daily essentials with understated elegance.
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 dimensions of the Picotin Lock 18 and how does this item compare? A: The Picotin Lock 18 is approximately 18 × 19 × 13 cm. This specific piece matches that footprint and has a handle drop of about 12 cm, making it a compact handheld tote ideal for daily essentials. Please refer to the Measurements on this page for the exact figures for this item.
Q: What typically fits inside a Picotin 18? A: It comfortably holds a large smartphone, compact wallet or card holder, keys, small cosmetics, and sunglasses in a soft pouch. Bulky items like a hard glasses case, a tablet, or an upright water bottle are usually too large for this size.
Q: Is the Picotin 18 secure to use given its open top? A: The Picotin Lock uses a leather strap threaded through side brackets and secured with a padlock to restrict the opening. For added peace of mind, many owners use small pouches or an organiser inside to keep valuables together and out of sight.
Q: Can the Picotin 18 be worn on the shoulder or crossbody? A: It is designed for hand or crook‑of‑arm carry. The handles are intentionally short, so most people cannot wear the 18 on the shoulder. Aftermarket strap conversions exist, but they may stress hardware; we recommend using the bag as intended.
Q: What is Taurillon Clemence leather and how does it wear? A: Clemence is a supple, pebbled bull‑calf leather known for its soft drape and relaxed look. It tends to hide light scratches well but can slouch with use. Regularly rest the bag on its base studs, avoid overloading, and store it stuffed to help it keep its shape.
Q: How should I care for Clemence leather on this vintage piece? A: Wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth after use, keep away from heavy rain and oils, and store in a cool, dry place, loosely stuffed and upright. Avoid over‑conditioning; if deeper cleaning is needed, consult a specialist familiar with Hermès leathers.
Q: How does the Picotin 18 compare with the Picotin 22? A: The 18 is a compact carry‑all for essentials. The 22 offers noticeably more capacity and can accommodate larger items like a small tablet or a water bottle, but it is larger on the arm. Your choice comes down to how much you carry day‑to‑day.
Q: When was the Picotin introduced and what does the name mean? A: The Picotin debuted in the early 2000s and takes its name from an old French term for a measure of oats used in horse feeding—reflecting Hermès’ equestrian heritage. The current Picotin “Lock” adds the padlock‑secured strap across the opening.
Q: What’s included with this A Retro Tale listing? A: Everything included is listed under product information on this page. For this item, there are no additional items beyond the bag itself.
Q: How do you authenticate this bag? A: Every item at A Retro Tale is carefully vetted by our in‑house experts using multi‑point checks of materials, stitching, hardware, stamps and year codes. We stand behind the authenticity of all items we sell and can share further details on request.
SHIPPING TO THE US
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.
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 UPS with the following delivery time:
Outside Europe: 2-4 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 all return shipments to A Retro Tale must be traceable. Retain your shipping receipt and tracking number until the return is completed and your refund is processed. Return shipping costs will be covered by A Retro Tale, and we will provide you with a prepaid return label.
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.
/ Hermès
/ Bags
/ Purses
30%
off retail price
• Red Clemence leather
• Palladium-plated hardware
• Dual top handles
• Four protective base studs
• Unlined red suede interior
• Leather strap and padlock closure
• Vintage
Customs fee and local taxes may apply upon delivery
Free shipping & returns to the U.S.
Export deal 15% off sitewide
Delivered with
no accessories
Made in
France
Serial number:
Square L (2008)
Product number:
853-38975
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.
