Vintage Hermès Chaîne d'Ancre Cufflinks, Circa 1950
About the Item
- Creator:
- Metal:Silver
- Dimensions:Width: 0.79 in (20 mm)Length: 1.07 in (27 mm)
- Sold As:Set of 2
- Style:Retro
- Place of Origin:France
- Period:1950-1959
- Date of Manufacture:Circa 1950
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU2040221327022
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: London, United Kingdom
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- Vintage Hermès Silver Cufflinks, Circa 1950By HermèsLocated in London, GBA pair of vintage Hermès silver cufflinks, circa 1950. Each T bar cufflink is based on the twisted wire design from the Hermès Silver Sailor knot bracelet Strong, timeless and vers...Category
Vintage 1960s French Retro Cufflinks
MaterialsSilver
- Vintage Hermès Plaited Silver Cufflinks, Circa 1950By HermèsLocated in London, GBA pair of vintage Hermès silver cufflinks, circa 1950. Each pair of chain link cufflinks is comprised of a braided silver bar Timeless and versatile these silver cufflinks are a ...Category
Vintage 1950s French Retro Cufflinks
MaterialsSilver
- Vintage Hermès 18 Karat Yellow gold Cufflinks, Circa 1950By HermèsLocated in London, GBA pair of Vintage Hermès 18 karat yellow gold cufflinks, circa 1950. Each T bar cufflink is designed as a realistically modelled buckled belt, with a T-bar fitting. Strong, timeles...Category
Vintage 1950s French Retro Cufflinks
MaterialsGold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Vintage Cartier Stirrup Cufflinks 18 Karat Yellow Gold, Circa 1950By CartierLocated in London, GBA vintage pair of Cartier stirrup cufflinks in 18 karat yellow gold, circa 1950. Each exquisite cufflink features a tapered fluted design, w...Category
Vintage 1950s Unknown Retro Cufflinks
MaterialsGold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Vintage 18 Karat Yellow Gold Enamel Circular Cufflinks, Circa 1950Located in London, GBA pair of vintage 18 karat yellow gold circular cufflinks, circa 1950. These classic vintage cuff links are designed as matching yellow gold discs featuring a series of engine turne...Category
Vintage 1950s French Retro Cufflinks
MaterialsGold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Vintage Cartier Stirrup Cufflinks Twisted 18 Karat Yellow Gold, Circa 1950By CartierLocated in London, GBA pair of vintage Cartier stirrup cufflinks in twisted 18 karat yellow gold, circa 1950. Each exquisite cufflink features twisted gold wire ...Category
Vintage 1950s French Retro Cufflinks
MaterialsGold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Hermès Vintage Chaine d'Ancre Silver CufflinksBy HermèsLocated in Nice, FRHERMES vintage "Chaine d'Ancre" silver cufflinks. Embossed HERMES and numbered on one cufflink (the other has no HERMES marking). Both cufflinks have French silver hallmar...Category
20th Century French Cufflinks
- Hermes Vintage 1970s Chaine D'Ancre 18k Gold CufflinksBy HermèsLocated in Bellmore, NYStep into the world of timeless elegance with the Hermes Vintage 1970s Chaine D'Ancre 18k Gold Cufflinks. These exquisite cufflinks, crafted in the 1970s by the renowned French luxury house Hermes, embody a perfect blend of sophistication and craftsmanship. The cufflinks feature the iconic Chaine D'Ancre (Anchor Chain) motif, a symbol synonymous with Hermes's legacy of luxury and style. Meticulously crafted from lustrous 18k gold, the intricate chain links showcase the brand's commitment to exceptional quality and attention to detail. The design of these vintage cufflinks exudes a classic yet contemporary charm, making them a versatile and timeless addition to any gentleman's wardrobe. The richness of the 18k gold elevates the cufflinks to a level of luxury that is synonymous with the Hermes name...Category
Vintage 1970s Cufflinks
MaterialsGold, 18k Gold
- Hermes Chaine D'Ancre 18K Rose Gold CufflinksBy HermèsLocated in Bellmore, NYIntroducing an epitome of sophistication and luxury, the Hermes Chaine D'Ancre 18K Rose Gold Cufflinks redefine elegance with their timeless design and impeccable craftsmanship. Craf...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Cufflinks
MaterialsGold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
- Vintage Hermès Wood And Gold Cufflinks, Circa 1970By HermèsLocated in London, GBA pair of vintage Hermès wood and gold cufflinks, with teak wood discs set in gold curved sided rectangles, with bar fittings, with French eagle head marks for 18ct gold, signed HERM...Category
Vintage 1970s French Cufflinks
Materials18k Gold
- Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Cufflinks Circa 1950Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon TyneA fine and impressive pair of vintage 14 karat yellow gold knot cufflinks; an addition to our men's jewelry and vintage cufflink collection. These authentic vintage cufflinks have b...Category
Vintage 1950s Cufflinks
MaterialsYellow Gold
- Hermès Vintage Silver CufflinksBy HermèsLocated in Nice, FRHERMES vintage silver cufflinks. Embossed HERMES and number "53378" on one cufflink (the other has no HERMES marking). Both cufflin...Category
20th Century French Cufflinks
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
The Hermès Passe-Guide Bag Might Not Be as Well Known as the Birkin or Kelly, But It’s Every Bit as Chic
Find out why this under-the-radar piece is so exceptional.
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.