Hermès 3 functions Paperclip Magnifying Glass Bookmark Horse Pattern in Metal
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Height: 2.37 in (6 cm)Width: 0.99 in (2.5 cm)Depth: 0.12 in (3 mm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Material Notes:metal
- Condition:
- Seller Location:FR
- Reference Number:
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: France
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- Hermès Vintage Teckel Dachshund Dog Shaped Letter Opener by Ravinet d'EnfertBy HermèsLocated in FRExceptional Authentic Hermès Letter Opener Absolutely stunning, a rare collector item Dachshund Dog shaped Vintage Item ! Super Rare, a Grail Made of...Category
20th Century Unknown Curiosities
- Hermès Ravinet d'Enfert Vintage Letter Opener Paper Cutter Horse Shaped RAREBy HermèsLocated in FRExceptional Authentic Hermès Letter Opener Absolutely stunning, a rare collector item Horse Shaped Made in France Vintage Item, made by Ravien...Category
20th Century French Curiosities
- Exceptional Hermès Ashtray Change Tray Golden Pineapple in PorcelainBy HermèsLocated in FRLovely and rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Pineapples Made in France Vintage item Made of porcelain with golden edges Colorways: White, Blue, Green, Golden Bottom is cover...Category
Late 20th Century French Ashtrays
- Exceptional Hermès Paper Money Clip in Tennis Racket and Ball Shape RAREBy HermèsLocated in FRThis rare item is an authentic Hermès Paper Clip Can be used as money clip Made in France Vintage item Made of Metal (non precious), wood and plastic ...Category
20th Century French For The Desk
- RARE Wedgwood Jasperware Blue Rotary Dial Astral Vintage Telephone CollectorBy WedgwoodLocated in FRExceptional and Rare Authentic Wedgwood® Blue Jasper Astral Telephone The telephone is from the Astral brand, and the decor is from Wedgwood® Wedgwood® is a Registered Company of B...Category
Late 20th Century English Decorative Objects
- Beautiful Hermès Vintage Ashtray Change Tray FeathersBy HermèsLocated in FRBeautiful Authentic Hermès Ashtray Pattern: Feathers Made in France Vintage Item Made of Porcelain Colorways: White, Shades of Blue, Green, Golden edges Bottom is covered with...Category
Late 20th Century French Ashtrays
- 1980s Gucci Ceramic Playing Card Patterned Decorative Change TrayBy GucciLocated in West Hollywood, CAPresenting a rare playing card printed ceramic change tray made by Gucci in the 1980s. This piece features a high gloss finish and would make the p...Category
1980s Italian Ceramics
- Christian Lacroix "Heart" PaperweightBy Christian LacroixLocated in New York, NYChristian Lacroix "2002" heart-shaped paperweight is engraved with "Christian Lacroix", "2002", peace signs and a large "hands-down" carving on top. Measurements are 2" in height, 7/...Category
20th Century French For The Desk
- Ravinet d'Enfert for Hermes Vintage Equestrian Bottle Opener Paper WeightLocated in Nice, FRRAVINET D'ENFERT for HERMES Paris vintage sivler tone equestrian bottle opener and paper weight. Embossed RAVINET D'ENFERT with hallmark. Indicative measurements : height approx. 1...Category
20th Century French For The Table
- Gold and Enamel Deco CompactLocated in New York, NYCharming Art Deco enamel and 14k gold mini compact. These mirrored dance compacts were often suspended from finger chains. Completely crafted in 14k gold ...Category
1930s American Boxes
- Spratling Sterling and Wood Letter OpenerBy William SpratlingLocated in New York, NYElegant Spratling Sterling and Wood Letter Opener from the 1940's Mexico. Rosewood inset with sterling spheres and loop finial. 8.5" x 1", blade 5".Category
1940s Mexican For The Desk
- Vintage Gucci Aviator Sunglasses 1990's Made in ItalyBy Gucci, Tom Ford for GucciLocated in North Hollywood, CAVintage Gucci Aviator sunglasses 1990's Made in Italy Gucci's in gilded gold hardware sunglasses with logo GG on temple. This item could show minor sign...Category
Late 20th Century Italian Sunglasses
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.