Q: What typically fits inside the Chanel Classic Vertical Medium Single Flap?
A: With approximate dimensions of 25 × 15 × 6.5 cm, it’s ideal for essentials: a large smartphone, compact wallet or cardholder, keys, slim sunglasses in a soft sleeve, lipstick and earbuds. A small cosmetics pouch fits; a water bottle or A5 diary is usually too bulky. Compare your items with the Measurements listed or ask us for a tailored fit check for this exact piece.

Q: Can I wear it crossbody and is the strap adjustable?
A: This vintage model has a single leather‑and‑chain interwoven strap with an approximate 46 cm drop. It is designed for shoulder wear and sits as a high crossbody on some wearers. The strap is not adjustable or removable.

Q: How secure is the closure and what is the interior layout?
A: The flap closes with the classic CC turn‑lock for everyday security. Inside, you’ll find a red leather lining with two internal pockets to organise smaller items. Please see our photos for the exact configuration of this piece.

Q: When was this particular bag produced and how can it be dated?
A: The serial number 1456952 indicates a 1‑series Chanel, corresponding to approximately 1989–1991. Vintage bags from this era feature a serial sticker and originally came with a matching authenticity card (only included if listed under Accessories).

Q: Is the gold‑tone hardware real gold?
A: Many vintage Chanel bags from this period were finished with 24‑karat gold‑plated hardware. While this piece falls within that era, we describe it as “gold‑tone” as we do not undertake metallurgical testing for each item.

Q: Is this single‑flap, vertical‑quilted style still produced?
A: Vertical‑quilted single‑flap variations are generally discontinued and now found mainly on the pre‑loved market. Chanel’s modern Classic Flap offerings are typically double‑flap in most sizes.

Q: What’s the difference between single and double flaps?
A: A double flap adds an inner flap that improves structure and offers extra compartments, but it slightly reduces interior capacity. A single flap is lighter and more open inside, making it easier to access your essentials.

Q: How should I care for the leather and hardware?
A: Keep the leather away from moisture, oils and prolonged sunlight; wipe with a soft, dry cloth and condition smooth leather sparingly after patch‑testing. Be mindful of colour transfer from dark denim. Store the bag upright, lightly stuffed, in a breathable dust bag, and avoid hanging it by the strap. Place a soft cloth between the chain and leather during storage to minimise imprints. Hardware may show fine hairline scratches with normal use—avoid abrasive surfaces.

Q: Where are the brand markings and codes located, and what about microchips on newer bags?
A: Authentic vintage Chanel bags have an interior CHANEL heat‑stamp and a serial sticker inside the bag that corresponds to a production series for dating. From about 2021 onwards, Chanel introduced a metal plaque with an embedded microchip; this vintage piece predates that system.

Q: What accessories are included and how do you authenticate?
A: Everything included with this specific bag is listed under “Accessories” (for this piece: serial number tag). If an item isn’t mentioned there, it isn’t included—feel free to ask us to confirm. Every item at A Retro Tale undergoes rigorous, multi‑point authentication by our in‑house experts, examining materials, stitching, hardware, stamps/serial and overall construction. We stand behind the authenticity of every piece we sell.

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