Paul Dupré-Lafon, Hermès Desk Clock, c.1935
About the Item
- Creator:Hermès (Maker)
- Design:
- Dimensions:Height: 5.71 in (14.5 cm)Width: 6.7 in (17 cm)Depth: 3.15 in (8 cm)
- Style:Art Deco (In the Style Of)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1935
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Autonomous City Buenos Aires, AR
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU7304236665512
Birkin Bag
Since its 1984 debut, the Hermès Birkin bag has become a coveted status symbol as much as it has an exclusive collector’s piece. The handbag is among the most expensive in the world, and the appetite for the accessory is well-known inside and outside the fashion industry.
The history of the Birkin bag owes to a chance meeting on a flight from Paris to London in 1981, when British actress, singer and model Jane Birkin found herself describing her ideal handbag to another passenger. The two travelers hadn’t properly met, so it wasn’t immediately clear that she was practically brainstorming a future product with Hermès chairman Jean-Louis Dumas. When the latter identified himself, he told the star that Hermès was prepared to produce the accessory of her dreams. A discussion followed that involved rough sketches on an Air France airsickness bag, and the Birkin was introduced three years later.
A spacious and symmetrical rectangular bag that features dual handles as compared to the trapezoidal single-handle frame of the company’s popular Kelly, the Birkin has amassed a rabidly enthusiastic fan base since its inception.
Because it is so pricey and sought after, the goatskin-lined Birkin has frequently been targeted by counterfeiters, and its modest aesthetic and understated branding prevent it from being easily discernible from fakes. An array of metallic hardware fixtures, most often produced in gold or palladium, helps distinguish this dynamic handcrafted tote, and likely assisted the French police officers who broke up an international counterfeit Birkin operation in 2012.
Among the characteristics that are integral to determining a Birkin’s authenticity as well as rendering it a truly desirable collector’s item are the signature lock and accompanying keys. The latter are tucked inside a lanyard made from a single piece of leather and draped around one of the handles. There are scuff-resistant base studs, too — a defense system to shield the durable leather exterior from damage should its owner park it on a gritty sidewalk. The studs are hammered in and can’t twist off, so there isn’t any danger of the bag losing its feet.
Each tote is hand-sewn according to Hermès’s centuries-old saddle-stitching technique, and the exotic leathers — a variety that includes ostrich and crocodile — are subsequently painted and polished by house craftsmen in France. Owing to the artisan construction effort behind this globally adored accessory, it may take up to several days to produce a single Birkin bag.
Jane had to wait for hers, too.
Hermès
For Hermès, what began as a maker of leather equestrian goods for European noblemen would eventually grow into one of the most storied fashion labels in the world. In 1837, German-born French entrepreneur Thierry Hermès opened a saddle and harness purveyor in Paris. Gradually, the house extended into accessories and luggage for its riders, and today, in paying homage to its origins, the family-run luxury brand resurfaces horse motifs in everything from clothing and modernist jewelry to pillows and handbags.
The first top-handled bag ever produced by Hermès was the Haut à courroies, which made its debut in 1892. A tall bag secured with a folded leather flap (fastened with bridle-inspired straps), it was designed to transport riding boots and a harness.
As the world made the switch from horse to automobile, the bag adapted, becoming a multifunctional travel satchel instead of a designated saddlebag. Today, 120 years later, the HAC remains in Hermès’s line — and its distinctive flap and clasping straps have laid the groundwork for some of the house’s other iconic bags.
In the 1930s, Robert Dumas (son-in-law to Émile-Maurice Hermès, Thierry’s grandson) designed a smaller, trapezoidal take on the flap bag with a handle and two side straps. Later, actress Grace Kelly, then engaged to Prince Rainier of Monaco, is said to have used one of these bags to conceal her pregnancy during the 1950s. Because she was photographed constantly, the coverage catapulted her handbag to international popularity.
In 1977, Hermès officially renamed the model for her, and the Kelly bag was born. Each Kelly bag takes between 18 and 25 hours to produce, and its 680 hand stitches owe solely to one Hermès artisan.
Robert Dumas was also responsible for another one of the brand’s most iconic offerings: the launch of its first silk scarf on the occasion of Hermès’s 100th anniversary in 1937. Based on a woodblock designed by Dumas and printed on Chinese silk, the accessory was an immediate hit.
Today, vintage Hermès scarves, typically adorned in rich colors and elaborate patterns, serve many functions, just as they did back then. Well-heeled women wear it on their heads, around their necks and, in a genius piece of cross-promotion, tied to the straps of their Hermès bags. Kelly even once used one as a sling for her broken arm.
In 1981, Robert Dumas’s son Jean-Louis Dumas, then Hermès chairman, found himself sitting next to French actress and musician Jane Birkin on a plane, where she was complaining about finding a suitable carryall for the necessary accoutrements of motherhood. After the two travelers were properly introduced, Birkin helped design Jean-Louis’s most famous contribution to the Hermès canon: the Birkin bag, a roomy, square catchall with the HAC’s trademark leather flap top and the addition of a lock and key.
Owing to the brand’s legendary commitment to deft, handcrafted construction, the Birkin is an investment that is coveted by collectors everywhere.
While the Kelly and Birkin may be standouts, gracing the arms of everyone from royal heiresses to hip-hop stars in the past few decades, the handbags are but a small part of Hermès’s fashion offerings.
Since the 1920s, the brand has produced some of the most desirable leather goods in the world. There’s the Constance bag, a favorite of Jacqueline Kennedy, the recently relaunched 1970s-era Evelyne and, on the vintage market, a slew of designs dating back to the 1920s.
Good design never goes out of style. Find a variety of vintage Hermès handbags, day dresses, shoes and more on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 14 days of delivery.
- 1960s Jaeger Lecoultre Mantel Clock Rue De La Paix ClockBy Jaeger-LeCoultreLocated in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA1960s Jaeger Lecoultre Mantel Clock Rue De La Paix Clock Beautiful vintage Jaeger Le Coultre miniature lamppost clock for table or desk. It has been tested and works. It has a stra...Category
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Table Clocks and Desk Clocks
MaterialsBronze
- 19th Century Barbedienne French Champleve Enamel and Gilt bronze clock setBy Ferdinand BarbedienneLocated in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA19th Century Barbedienne French Champleve Enamel and Gilt bronze clock set A fine 19th Century French three piece clock garniture set. Comprising of a clock and pair of candelabra, ...Category
Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Mantel Clocks
MaterialsBronze, Enamel
- Hermes Vintage Leather and Bronze Desk Magnifying GlassBy HermèsLocated in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABAVintage Hermes Leather and Bronze Desk Magnifying Glass Elegant gilt bronze magnifying glass with black leather handle stamped Hermes Paris from th...Category
20th Century French Art Deco Desk Sets
MaterialsBronze
- Hermes Letter Opener, 1960s, FranceBy HermèsLocated in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABAElegant Hermès letter opener with a detailed horse head handle in solid metal.Beautiful light patina to the silver and a blade that tapers gently towards...Category
Antique Early 1600s French Art Deco Desks
MaterialsMetal
- Hermes Paris Art Deco Tobacco CaseBy HermèsLocated in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABAHermes Parid Art Deco Tobacco Case Elegant art deco silver snuff box, with the H of Hermes Paris in gold and with an engraving on the metal...Category
20th Century French Art Deco Cigar Boxes and Humidors
MaterialsMetal
- Hermes Vanity BoxBy HermèsLocated in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABAEmbody the French elegance and sophistication with this exquisite Hermes Vanity Box. Melding both function and design, this circular-shaped vanity box fe...Category
Vintage 1970s French Neoclassical Decorative Boxes
MaterialsMetal, Silver
- 1950's Stitched Leather boxe by Paul Dupré-Lafon For HermèsBy HermèsLocated in Bois-Colombes, FR1950's Stitched leather boxe by Paul Dupré-Lafon for Hermès Good original vintage conditionCategory
Vintage 1950s French Decorative Boxes
MaterialsLeather
- French Box by Paul Dupré-Lafon for Hermès Paris, 1930-1940By HermèsLocated in Delft, NLFrench Box by Paul Dupré-Lafon for Hermès Paris, 1930-1940 Paul Dupré-Lafon (1900-1971) Hermès Paris lidded box with leather in cognac color with saddle stitching and chrome metal m...Category
20th Century French Decorative Boxes
MaterialsLeather
- 1940s Hermès Dupré-Lafon Flip Top Cigarette BoxBy Hermès, Paul Dupré-LafonLocated in Hong Kong, HKRare 1940s Hermès Flip top Box, designed by Paul Dupré-Lafon (1900-1971), used to store cigarettes. Light brown leather with saddle stitching on the ext...Category
Mid-20th Century French Tobacco Accessories
MaterialsMetal
- Hermès Ink Blotter by Dupre-Lafon, 1970s FranceBy HermèsLocated in Los Angeles, CABeautiful Hermès ink blotter by Dupre-Lafon. Made with thick tanned cowhide and finished with a thick brass ring on top with the words Hermès Paris imprint...Category
Vintage 1970s French Desk Sets
MaterialsBrass
- Hermès Clip Table Alarm ClockBy HermèsLocated in Munich, DEHermès clip Table watch in in brass and steel with a Quartz-movement comes with the original box and leather etui.Category
1990s French Hollywood Regency Carriage Clocks and Travel Clocks
MaterialsBrass, Chrome
- Cartier Paris 1935 Rare Art Deco Geometric Desk Clock in Black Onyx and AgateBy CartierLocated in Miami, FLA desk clock designed by Cartier. A beautiful and sober desk clock, created in Paris France by the the house of Cartier during the late art deco period, back in the early 1935. This desk clock is very rare and has been designed with geometric art deco patterns and assembled from several polished pieces carved from natural black onyx and reddish translucent agate. All parts mounted in gilded bronze and sterling silver settings of .935/.999. Movement: Swiss mechanical wingding Imhof movement, Caliber 244, Fifteen Jewels, 8 days, Serial 2449074. The dial is octagonal with a unique painted scene depicting an ancient Greek ship...Category
Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Table Clocks and Desk Clocks
MaterialsAgate, Onyx, Sterling Silver, Bronze
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
How to Spot a Fake Hermès Birkin Bag
The iconic Birkin bag is much coveted — and often copied. Find out how to tell the real deal from a convincing fake. Of course, you don't have to worry about this on 1stDibs, where every seller is highly vetted.
These Custom and Rare Birkin Bags Are a Collector’s Dream
An Hermès Birkin might be on many fashion lovers' wish lists, but to the hardcore collector, one is never enough. For every kind of Birkin-phile, we present some of the most exclusive bags from our discerning dealers.