1972 Hermes burgundy leather bag with gilt brushed hardware
View Similar Items
1972 Hermes burgundy leather bag with gilt brushed hardware
About the Item
- Designer:
- Dimensions:Height: 8.5 in (21.59 cm)Width: 8 in (20.32 cm)Depth: 2 in (5.08 cm)Marked Size: 8.5 (US)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Material Notes:leather, gilt metal
- Condition:very good condition.
- Seller Location:San Fransisco, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: AU120708811745
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.
- 1990's VALENTINO black textured leather convertible 'envelope' clutch bagBy ValentinoLocated in San Fransisco, CABlack textured leather convertible bag in the shape of an envelope designed by Valentino dating to the 1990's. Strap is completely removable. Gold hardware. Off-white top-stitching. ...Category
1990s American Clutches
- 1990's RENAUD PELLEGRINO textured leather convertible shoulder clutch bagBy Renaud PellegrinoLocated in San Fransisco, CAColor blocked textured leather convertible clutch with exterior pockets designed by Renaud Pellegrino dating to the 1990's. Bag measures approximately 8.875" wide by 7.75" tall and 1...Category
1990s American Clutches
- 1980's BOTTEGA VENETA large grey woven leather bagBy Bottega VenetaLocated in San Fransisco, CAElephant-Grey, woven leather bag from Bottega Veneta dating to the late 1980's. Bag measures approximately 16" tall by 10" wide seam to seam (it's actual wider and taller depending o...Category
1980s Italian Hobo Bags
- Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent lucite evening bag, 2003By Yves Saint LaurentLocated in San Fransisco, CAVery rare clear lucite evening bag with rhinestones lined in black satin with black velvet strap designed by Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent dating to Fall 2003. Bag measures just ov...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- 1980's CARLOS FALCHI asymmetrical snakeskin patchwork clutch bag with strapBy Carlos FalchiLocated in San Fransisco, CAAsymmetrically shaped snakeskin patchwork clutch with thin concealable leather strap designed by Carlos Falchi dating to the 1980's. One interior pocket. Made in the U.S. Very good c...Category
1980s American Clutches
- 2005 COMME DES GARCONS natural leather bag with hand woven saddle stitchingBy Comme des GarçonsLocated in San Fransisco, CAVery rare untreated natural cowhide leather bag with hand woven saddle stitching details from Comme Des Garcons dating to spring of 2005. Very similar to pieces seen on the runway. B...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Tote Bags
- Mariano Fortuny Rare Black Stencilled Velvet Drawstring BagBy FortunyLocated in Riverdale, NYFortunys stenciled velvet drawstring bags found a use for small pieces of his precious velvets, their sizes vary due to the dimensions of the cuts.They are exceedingly rare.
<...CategoryEarly 20th Century Italian Art Deco Pouches and Wristlets
Price Upon Request - Pablo Picasso Vintage Bi Color Kelly Flap BagBy Pablo PicassoLocated in Fort Lauderdale, FLThe Vintage Kelly Flap style bag from Pablo Picassi is one of the famed luxury goods house's most coveted and exclusive items. This flap bag is made of blac...Category
1980s Italian Top Handle Bags
- Hermès Kelly 35cm Clemence Rouge Tomate GHWBy HermèsLocated in London, GBA unique Hermès Kelly Rouge Tomate 35cm bag. The Rouge Tomate Clemence leather bag is detailed with gold-tone hardware. The exterior of this Kelly feature...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Novelty Bags
- Hermès Noir Mini Kelly Twilly Bag CharmBy HermèsLocated in London, GBA chic Hermès Mini Kelly Twilly bag charm. The exterior of this Kelly bag charm features a Noir Tadelakt leather detailed with tonal stitching...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Novelty Bags
- Louis Vuitton x Yayoi Kusama Capucine MM BagBy Louis VuittonLocated in London, GBIntroducing the mesmerising fusion of luxury and avant-garde artistry - the Louis Vuitton Capucine MM bag, a stunning collaboration with...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Shoulder Bags
- Hermés Birkin 35cm Sellier Sunrise Rainbow Epsom PHWBy HermèsLocated in London, GBA Rare Limited Edition Hermès Sellier Birkin 35cm Rainbow Sunrise bag. The exterior of this Birkin features Epsom leather in yellow lime, sésame beige, rose confetti, and brown terre. These sunrise-inspired colours are complemented with palladium hardware. This rainbow Birkin...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Novelty Bags
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.