Cartier Must de Cartier Burgundy Leather Attaché Briefcase from 1984

The vintage Must de Cartier Attaché Briefcase is a particularly striking expression of Cartier’s historic leather-goods collection, combining the Maison’s signature deep burgundy palette with the structured proportions of a traditional executive case. The design language is unmistakably Must de Cartier: smooth burgundy leather, gold-finish metal detailing and the prominent Double C monogram, elements Cartier itself continues to identify as signatures of the collection.

The rigid case is constructed in rich burgundy leather and finished with gold-tone protective corner pieces, matching hardware and a substantial leather-wrapped top handle. An oversized embossed Double C medallion dominates the front, while the upper edge is secured by two combination-lock closures, giving the piece the purposeful, almost architectural character associated with luxury attaché cases of the period. Similar period examples are documented under the Les Must de Cartier Paris name with the same burgundy leather, gold hardware and combination-lock construction.

Opening the case reveals an exceptionally elaborate burgundy leather interior designed around document organization. The lid incorporates multiple expanding document compartments together with a series of smaller organizer pockets, while the lower section provides a generous structured compartment for papers and personal effects. A gold-tone “must de Cartier Paris” plaque completes the interior, reinforcing the beautifully coordinated monochromatic treatment of the case.

What makes this example especially compelling is its remarkable completeness. It is accompanied by its original Les Must de Cartier collection card, original period Cartier leather-goods catalogue and burgundy Cartier dust bag — accessories that are frequently separated from vintage cases over the decades. The period catalogue is particularly attractive from a collector’s perspective, illustrating the wider family of burgundy Must de Cartier leather creations to which the attaché belonged.

The briefcase remains in excellent vintage condition for its age, retaining a deep and even burgundy colour, a beautifully preserved interior and strong presentation throughout. Light scratches, creasing and handling marks are visible across the leather and hardware, consistent with careful previous use and long-term storage, and have been photographed transparently. The combination of condition, original accessories and distinctly Cartier detailing makes this an unusually complete surviving example of the Maison’s vintage business leather goods.

• Condition: Preserved vintage piece
• Package: Full set