Vintage HERMES 1970s Pen Holder by Maria Pergay
About the Item
- Creator:Hermès (Designer),Maria Pergay (Artist)
- Dimensions:Height: 3.55 in (9.02 cm)Diameter: 2.37 in (6.02 cm)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1970s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Victoria, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU8397238123042
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: Victoria, Canada
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 7 days of delivery.
- Vintage HERMES Cornucopia Metal and Leather Cigarette BoxBy HermèsLocated in Victoria, BCHere is a handsome and classic 1950s vintage Hermès cigarette box. Cigarette box is heavy and wrapped in leather. Cornucopia (Horn of Plenty) deco...Category
Vintage 1950s French Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
MaterialsMetal
- Rare Vintage HERMES Leather SuitcaseBy HermèsLocated in Victoria, BCHere is a beautiful and Rare Vintage Hermes Leather Suitcase. This handsome piece of luggage is in overall good condition for its age with wear...Category
Vintage 1930s French Trunks and Luggage
MaterialsLeather
- Hermes Silver Metal Bowl, 1980sBy HermèsLocated in Victoria, BCHere is a lovely Silver Metal Bowl produced by Hermes. This piece features simple and classic design with a linear decoration on the upper edge. Made in France circa 1980s Good gene...Category
Vintage 1980s French Serving Bowls
MaterialsMetal
- Hermes Paris & Ravinet d'Enfert, a Rare Sterling Silver Champagne TopperBy HermèsLocated in Victoria, BCHere is a wonderful and rare HERMES Paris Sterling Silver Champagne Topper. Made for HERMES by Ravinet d'Enfert. This wonderful collector’s piece was made to sit on top of an opened ...Category
Vintage 1930s French Sterling Silver
MaterialsSilver
- Antique French Spelter Eagle Themed Watch HolderLocated in Victoria, BCHere is a handsome Antique French Spelter Eagle Themed Watch Holder. This holder features an eagle with wings spread. Having a small hook at the...Category
Early 20th Century French Animal Sculptures
MaterialsSpelter
- Vintage Longchamp Porcelain Apothecary SetLocated in Victoria, BCThis set of three original Longchamp vintage porcelain apothecary jars are in excellent condition. Longchamp was established in Burgundy, France, in ...Category
Vintage 1960s French Jars
MaterialsPorcelain
- Maria Pergay, Metal Box and Agathe, France, 1970By Maria PergayLocated in Catonvielle, FRMaria Pergay (1930), Large flat box in silver metal, France 1970. A red-veined Agathe stone is set on the lid, the interior is dressed in exotic wood. Excellence of the realization, ...Category
Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes
MaterialsMetal
- Gucci Vintage Toothpick Match Holder, 1970sBy GucciLocated in Munich, DEGucci Vintage sterling silver match, toothpick holder signed with Gucci and in very good vintage condition.Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Hollywood Regency Sterling Silver
MaterialsSterling Silver
- Maria Pergay champagne bucketBy Maria PergayLocated in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FRBeautiful champagne bucket by Maria Pergay Very elegant work from the artist and rare in the market Chic and looking like Hermès objects from the same periodCategory
Vintage 1970s French Minimalist Bottles
MaterialsMetal
- French Vintage Silver Plated Vide Poche by Maria Pergay c.1950By Maria PergayLocated in Bath, GBA rare smaller example of Maria Pergay's tassel decorated dish or vide poche; perfect if you are looking to add to a grouping, this smaller size is hard to find. Made from silver pl...Category
Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche
MaterialsSilver Plate
- 1950s Hermès Cigarette HolderBy HermèsLocated in Los Angeles, CAClassic vintage Hermès cigarette box. Cigarette box is heavy and wrapped in leather. Cornucopia (Horn of Plenty) decorative lid. Removable metal i...Category
Vintage 1950s French Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
MaterialsMetal
- 1970s Faux Tortoise Decorative Box Hermes StyleBy HermèsLocated in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR1970s Faux Tortoise Decorative Box Hermes StyleCategory
Vintage 1970s French Decorative Boxes
MaterialsLucite
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.