Must de Cartier Burgundy Leather Wallet with Gold-Plated Corner Protectors
Luxury Leather Accessory / Wallet Corner Protectors · Yellow Gold (Rich high-karat tone)
Purity: Gold-Plated / Vermeil (likely 18K or 24K plating over base metal or sterling silver)
Type
Luxury Leather Accessory / Wallet Corner Protectors
Purity
Gold-Plated / Vermeil (likely 18K or 24K plating over base metal or sterling silver)
Gold Type
Yellow Gold (Rich high-karat tone)
Weight
N/A - The gold components are thin decorative plating, weighing less than 1.0 gram in total gold content.
Description
A classic Must de Cartier burgundy leather corner, featuring the signature C-shaped gold-toned protective hardware. The leather is the iconic Bordeaux calfskin which served as a hallmark of luxury in the 1980s.
Key Features
Tri-lobed Art Deco inspired corner shape; signature Cartier burgundy leather; brushed gold finish.
Color & Finish
Rich yellow gold with a brushed/satin textured finish visible on the surface to minimize the appearance of scratches.
Hallmarks & Stamps
None visible on the exterior gold corners; hallmarks for Cartier and plate quality are usually stamped on the interior leather or hidden metal tabs.
Dimensions Estimate
Apprx. 15mm x 15mm for each corner; Standard pocket wallet size.
Gemstones & Inlays
None
Clasp & Closure
Foldable leather wallet design (no metal clasp visible in image).
Chain & Links
N/A
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-stamped metal corners with electroplated finish; hand-finished leather edges.
Authentication Indicators
The specific radius of the 'C' curve and the pebble grain of the burgundy leather are consistent with authentic Must de Cartier production.
Origin & Maker
France; Cartier (Must de Cartier collection)
Era & Period
Late 20th Century (approx. 1980s - 1990s)
Age Estimate
Likely manufactured circa 1980-1995.
Cultural Significance
A symbol of corporate 'Power Dressing' and yuppie culture of the 1980s and early 90s.
Condition Notes
Good; visible surface scratches and 'brassing' (wear-through) on the high points of the gold plating suggesting significant use; leather shows some compression.
Value Estimate
$100 - $250 (Value is in brand heritage/vintage appeal, not gold melt value).
Care & Maintenance
Clean leather with specialized conditioner; do not use metal polish on corners as it will strip the thin gold plating.
Similar Items
Dunhill gold-cornered wallets, vintage Chanel leather goods with gold hardware.
Interesting Facts
The 'Must de Cartier' line was launched in 1973 to make the brand's luxury aesthetic accessible to a wider 'must-have' market.