Did Chanel used to make white boxes?

That's actually true. I had forgotten about that. Good point!

The old box that I saw, recently, actually was the reverse of the current (ordinary) boxes. The top of the box was white, and the bottom black.
 
I got a white box also when I bought my expandable tote. I know it wasn't the original box it came in as it was way too big for the bag, but it was a white box with Chanel written in black.
 
Boxes from the late 80s do not open from the top, but rather from the side, so you're sliding the purse into the box. It's difficult to control the chain and the box is smaller than they are now. On the bright side, it's shiny somewhat like the shopping bags from the shine/gloss perspective.
 
the white boxes could've been transferred from the main paris boutique or the anniversary edition boxes if i am not wrong. only 31 rue cambon in paris has the white boxes, the boxes are made specially for the main boutique. i like the black ones better though. lol balenciaga boxes come in white with black wordings too. the black chanel boxes are more special, sexier IMO ;)