For the last 6 months (maybe more) I have been looking for a second hand Louis Vuitton keepall in EPI - ideally in RED. Very few ever comes on, but NONE I believe were genuine. So today (17 May 2008) I went to the LV shop in Sloan Street and got one. Costs me £755. I have no problems with people selling replica items, but they need to be honest about it. So to help would be buyers out there to spot the real thing, please follow this guide.

First and foremost, Vuitton Bag NEVER comes with any sort of protection for the silverware - so if you see a paper wrapped or plastic wrapped handle, its fake.

Secondly, the zippers are SILVER not GOLD or BRONZE

Thirdly - and this is very important... the Louis Vuitton Epi Bag do come with an internal lining - in ths case - red lining on the inside. This means that you cannot see the internal stitches. Many of the bags advertised fail on this.

Other things I have noted.... the range of the LV keepall bags have reduced somewhat. The red Epi keepall only comes in size 45. Epi keepall do not come in size 50, next size up is 55.

Is this bag really "RARE"? Well, checking the stock of the bag in London today, only Sloan Street had one in stock. None of the other branches had one - but the website is showing availability. I do not think that it is rare as such, just not in demand as much. I am happy with my purchase though.The bag is also the cheapest in the range of EPI luggage goods. Next size up - the 55 is £895. The smart smart range - Bourget costs £1230 for the 50 and £1430 for the 55. Also the dul looking but practical Sirius costs £1110.

One thing about this bag worth mentioning though... apart from the pocket on the outside - which is really only useful to keep the receipt of this bag... the Epi Keepall bag has no internal pockets. Maybe the reason for the demise of this bag. Shame.