A Precious Hermès Toiletry Leather Travel Case Circa 1970
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Height: 2.37 in (6 cm)Width: 9.06 in (23 cm)Length: 13 in (33 cm)
- Style:1970 (Of the Period)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:1970-1979
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Good Condition and Color.
- Seller Location:Toulon, FR
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU633321612602
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: Toulon, France
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 2 days of delivery.
- French Paisley Shawl called Palatin – Manufacture Fortier – Paris Circa 1839Located in Toulon, FRFrance Paris Circa 1839 An early Jacquard shawl woven in shape and numbered 17280485 which allowed to fit closely to the form of the gigot sleeves dress...Category
1830s French Shawls
- Pair Of Leather Slippers Embroidered With Tulips - France Early 19cLocated in Toulon, FRCirca 1790/1820 France Beautiful collectible pair of Orientalist mules shoes dating from the early nineteenth century. Square-tipped upper in fawn leather embroidered with tulips i...Category
Early 19th Century French Shoes
- A Rare Buratto embroidered velvet Tablecloth - Italy Early 18cLocated in Toulon, FRLate 17c, early 18c for the embroidery 19c for the velvet tablecloth Italy Rare tablecloth in green-yellow silk velvet cut (XIXth century) with wide...Category
Early 18th Century Italian For The Table
- A Chintz block printed quilted Cotton Toile or Quilt - Alsace Circa 1810Located in Toulon, FRCirca 1800-1820 Alsace or Swiss Manufacture Rare Quilted polychrome Indian bedspread dating from the early 19th century. Large naturalistic decorati...Category
Early 1800s French Textiles and Quilts
- A French needle point "Bonne-grâce" from a Louis XIV bed set - Late 17th centuryLocated in Toulon, FRCirca 1700 France "Bonne-grâce" (We call "Bonne-grâce" the half-curtains of a bed that are on both sides of the bedside) of a Louis XIV bed in needle point embroidered dating from t...Category
Early 1700s French Textiles and Quilts
- A Quilting Indian Chintz Palampore And Taffeta Bedcover Circa 1720/1750Located in Toulon, FRCirca 1720/1750 Coromandel Coast India for the Palampore France Provence for the quilting A large quilted bedcover or hanging of an early printed indian Palampore...Category
Early 18th Century French Textiles and Quilts
- LOUIS VUITTON Monogram Canvas Gold Large Travel Suitcase TrunkBy Louis VuittonLocated in Chicago, ILPre-Owned Vintage Condition Monogram Canvas Leather Includes Name Tag W 27.6 x H 18.5 x D 7.1 " Handle Drop. 2.75 " 100% Authenticity Guaranteed bisten 70Category
21st Century and Contemporary Suitcases and Trunks
- Louis Vuitton Special Order Keepall Large Men's Travel Weekend Sport Duffle BagBy Louis VuittonLocated in Chicago, ILMonogram canvas Leather trim Fabric lining Gold tone hardware Zipper closure Handle drop 6" Measures 32.5" W x 15" H x 4.75" DCategory
21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags
- Chanel Black Gray CC Bucket Top Handle Travel Slingback Backpack Shoulder BagBy ChanelLocated in Chicago, ILChanel Black Gray CC Men's Women's Bucket Beach TerryTop Handle Travel Slingback Backpack Shoulder Bag Terry cloth Woven lining Drawstring closure Made in Italy Adjustable shoulder ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Trunks and Luggage
- LOUIS VUITTON Pegase 60 LV Monogram Camouflage Gold Roller Bag Travel SuitcaseBy Louis VuittonLocated in Chicago, ILPre-Owned Vintage Condition From 2021 Collection Monogram Canvas Leather Trim Gold Tone Hardware Nylon Lining Measures 21.25" W x 14.25" H x 7" D Handle Drop 0.75" Includes Dust Bag...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Luggage and Travel Bags
- Dior NIB Black Leather Travel Shoe KitBy Christian DiorLocated in West Hollywood, CADior black leather Case and Travel shoe care kit with brushes, cream, shoehorn. Black cotton lining inside. The ultimate gentleman s gift, rare and collecti...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Trunks and Luggage
- Christian Dior Logomania Vanity Trotter Travel Trunk CaseBy Christian DiorLocated in Miami, FLChristian Dior Vintage Logomania Vanity Case Trunk 1990-2000 {VINTAGE 25 Years} Soft Gold Hardware Dior logo print Lockable case, comes with key 12” W x 7.5” H x 8” D Top handle 3” ...Category
1990s French Suitcases and Trunks
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.