Louis Vuitton Cartouchière Bag

The Louis Vuitton Cartouchière takes its name from the equestrian cartridge pouch — a compact piece a horseman would wear across the body. Launched in the 1980s and produced for around two decades, it is one of the smallest crossbody Monogram bags ever made by the maison. Our catalog gathers a curated selection of pre-owned Cartouchière bags authenticated by our experts, mostly in Monogram and Mini Monogram canvas.

Compact format and vintage silhouette

The Cartouchière measures roughly 22 × 16 × 5 cm — a slim crossbody size now back in fashion with the micro-bag trend. Buckle-and-clip flap closure, narrow shoulder strap, simple leather interior. Two main sizes coexist: the more common Cartouchière 22 and the slightly larger Cartouchière 25. A rarer Mini Monogram black canvas version is now highly sought after.

Monogram canvas and vachetta cowhide

The Cartouchière is almost exclusively built in coated Monogram canvas, with vachetta cowhide trim. The honey patina on edges and strap is part of the model's history of use — on vintage pieces it is an asset, not a defect. On the resale market, check the strap (most common failure point), the front buckle, stitching and leather lining. The hot-stamped date code on the interior remains the most reliable authenticity reference on these 1980s-1990s pieces.

Pricing and buying trend

The Cartouchière is no longer produced. Pre-owned, expect from roughly $300 for a Cartouchière 22 in good condition, and $480 - $650 for very-well-kept pieces with intact original strap. The rarity of the format and the contemporary return of micro-bags have supported pricing in recent years.

Authentication and alternatives

Every Cartouchière bag is inspected: date stamp, Monogram canvas, vachetta condition, strap, front buckle, lining. If you are looking at other compact crossbody silhouettes from the maison, our Saumur, Looping, Musette and Montsouris pages are good next stops. Selling a Cartouchière is straightforward — pieces with the original strap clear quickly.