1994 Hermès Natural Ardennes Leather Vintage Birkin 50cm HAC
View Similar Items
1994 Hermès Natural Ardennes Leather Vintage Birkin 50cm HAC
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Design:
- Dimensions:Height: 15.75 in (40 cm)Width: 19.69 in (50 cm)Depth: 10.63 in (27 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:-The interior is in excellent condition with light signs of use. -The hardware is in very good condition with light signs of use. -The corners are in very good condition with light signs of wear.
- Seller Location:Bishop's Stortford, GB
- Reference Number:Seller: HB32611stDibs: LU17028570452
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.
- Louis Vuitton Natural & Orange Raffia, Beige Keepall 50 BandouliereBy Louis VuittonLocated in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire"LOUIS VUITTON Natural & Orange Raffia, Beige Calfskin Leather Keepall 50 Bandouliere Serial Number: FZ4280 Age (Circa): 2020 Accompanied By: L...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Duffel Bags and Carry-On Bags
- 2017 Dior Blue Oblique Monogram Canvas & Calfskin Leather Jewellery CaseBy Christian DiorLocated in Bishop's Stortford, HertfordshireCHRISTIAN DIOR Blue Oblique Monogram Canvas & Calfskin Leather Jewellery Case Serial Number: 37-MA-1117 Age (Circa): 2017 Accompanied By: Dior Dust Bag, Box, Protective Felt, Selfri...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Luggage and Travel Bags
- CHANEL Black Vinyl & Mesh Sports Line Duffle BagBy ChanelLocated in Bishop's Stortford, HertfordshireCHANEL Black Vinyl & Mesh Sports Line Duffle Bag Serial Number: 11545811 Age (Circa): 2007 Accompanied By: Chanel Dust Bag Authenticity Details: Serial Sticker (Made in Italy) Gende...Category
Early 2000s Italian Top Handle Bags
- Louis Vuitton Brown Monogram Coated Canvas & Vachetta Leather Vintage Keepall 55By Louis VuittonLocated in Bishop's Stortford, HertfordshireLouis Vuitton Brown Monogram Coated Canvas & Vachetta Leather Vintage Keepall 55 Bandouliere Brand- Louis Vuitton Model- Keepall 55 Bandoulière Product Type- Travel Serial Number- T...Category
1990s French Duffel Bags and Carry-On Bags
- Louis Vuitton Ardoise Taiga Leather Pegase 45By Louis VuittonLocated in Bishop's Stortford, HertfordshireLouis Vuitton Ardoise Taiga Leather Pegase 45 Brand- Louis Vuitton Model- Pegase 45 Product Type- Travel Serial Number- MB**** Age- Circa 2015 C...Category
2010s French Suitcases and Trunks
- LOUIS VUITTON Pomme D'Amour Monogram Vernis Leather Pegase 50By Louis VuittonLocated in Bishop's Stortford, HertfordshireLOUIS VUITTON Pomme D'Amour Monogram Vernis Leather Pegase 50 Serial Number: MB0197 Age (Circa): 2017 Accompanied By: Louis Vuitton Dust Bag, Padlock, Keys Authenticity Details: Da...Category
2010s French Suitcases and Trunks
- Chanel Vintage Green Nylon Quilted Coco Cocoon Bowler Carry On Travel Tote BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Vintage Green Nylon Quilted Coco Cocoon Bowler Tote Bag Diamond quilted nylon in green Facing green leather-trimmed zipper pocket with a Chanel ...Category
2010s Italian Tote Bags
- Chanel Transparent and Lambskin White Naked XXXL Extra Large Clear ToteBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLClear transparent naked diamond stitch quilted Chanel vintage tote in an oversized XXXL featuring white lambskin leather logo and silver hardware. Good vintage condition with minor ...Category
Early 2000s French Tote Bags
- Chanel 2008 Nylon Microfiber Large CC Logo Gym Travel Sport BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Nylon Microfiber Large CC Logo Gym Travel Sport Bag Year: 2008 {16 Years Vintage} Black Nylon Exterior Black and White shoulder strap Extra Large CC stitching Mesh Interior L...Category
Early 2000s Italian Tote Bags
- Chanel 2005 Vintage Airplane Rainbow Mixed Media Blue Jean Denim Rare Tote BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Limited Edition Airplane Rainbow Mixed Media Blue Jean Denim Tote Rare 2005 {VINTAGE 19 Years} Silver-gold tone hardware Dark b...Category
Early 2000s Italian Tote Bags
- Chanel 2018 Puffer Ombré Gradient Blue Puffer Quilted Travel Shoulder CrossbodyBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Puffer Ombré Gradient Blue Puffer Quilted Travel Shoulder Crossbody Spring/Summer 2018 Collection Silver hardware Blue ombré nylon puffer with...Category
2010s Italian Duffel Bags and Carry-On Bags
- HERMES Foldable Silky Pop Bag in Brown Leather and Printed SilkBy HermèsLocated in Scottsdale, AZSince 1937 Hermés has passed down painstaking craftmanship through the generations. Their elegant and simple designs stand the test of time as they are highly regarded as some of the best quality goods around the world. This is a foldable Silky Pop tote bag that features a beautiful printed equestrian silk with vibrant colors on a contrasting black foreground. This bag folds perfectly into itself into a 5.5 inch by 5.5 inch compact brown leather zipped pouch. This is a unique design you will not be able to find anywhere else! It is a highly efficient and easy bag to travel with making your vacation a little less stressful to pack for! Pair this tote with your favorite holiday wear with a Missoni dress, Chanel slides...Category
2010s French Tote Bags
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.