A Precious Hermès Toiletry Leather Travel Case Circa 1970
By Hermès
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1970. France Elegant vintage Hermès travel case with toiletries in a red Hermès leather case with compartments. This case is stamped Hermès Pa...
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.
A Precious Hermès Toiletry Leather Travel Case Circa 1970
By Hermès
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1970. France Elegant vintage Hermès travel case with toiletries in a red Hermès leather case with compartments. This case is stamped Hermès Pa...
Valise Business Hermès Courchevel année 80-90
By Hermès
Located in SÈVRES, FR
Valise business Hermès en cuir Courchevel Gold datant des années 80-90. Très bon état. Cette valise business Hermès en cuir Courchevel Gold, datant des années 1980-1990, illustre pa...
Boîte à Bijoux Louis Vuitton Monogram
By Louis Vuitton
Located in SÈVRES, FR
Boîte à bijoux Louis Vuitton monogram avec intérieur alcantara rouge et dessins custom made LV. Cette boîte à bijoux Louis Vuitton en toile monogram, avec intérieur en alcantara rou...
GOYARD Vintage Brown & Grey Monogram Mini Wardrobe Trunk
By Maison Goyard
Located in New York, NY
Goyard Vintage Brown & Grey Monogram Mini Wardrobe Features three pull out drawers inside along with hangers and railing for hanging garments Color: Brow...
Beauty Rigido Louis Vuitton Boite Flacons Damier
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Torre Del Greco, IT
Beauty firmato Louis Vuitton, modello rigido realizzati in tela damier ebene con inserti in pelle marrone e hardware dorati. Dotato di una chiusura con incastro, internamente rivestita in alcantara rosso, abbastanza capiente. Munito di un manico centrale in pelle e di fasce porta oggetti...
$2,277Sale Price|20% Off
Louis Vuitton Small Pharmacie Make up Trunk
By Louis Vuitton
Located in PARIS, FR
A timeless Louis Vuitton Monogram Beauty Case, expertly crafted in the iconic Monogram coated canvas with natural leather trim and solid brass hardware. This elegant travel case feat...
Hermès Silver Money Clip Gaetan de Percin Spur Shaped Horse Texas
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Money Clip In shape of a spur Equestrian theme, horse ridding, Texas Vintage Item Made by Gaetan de Percin for Hermès ("GP" hallmark) Made of silver 800 (c...
Hermès Set of 2 BNIB Beach Rackets
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès brand new in box set of 2 beach rackets in printed beechwood and cork, rubber ball, dust cover and box included.
$12,977Sale Price|20% Off
H 13.39 in W 21.66 in L 43.31 in
Louis Vuitton Monogram Cabine Trunk Malle C.1930
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Daventry, GB
A Louis Vuitton Monogram canvas trunk, dating from the early 20th century, retaining its original fittings and presenting as a remarkably complete example of one of the House’s most ...
Vintage Moroccan Berber Silver Cuff Bracelet, Unisex, 20th Century
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Moroccan Berber tribal bracelet. Moroccan ethnic bracelet from the High Atlas of Morocco. Handcrafted by Berber women using Moroccan silver nickel. The ethnic Nomadic and Bedouin ...
Hermès Keychain Key Holder Alligator
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful Authentic Hermès Key Holder 5 sides geometric figure shaped Made in 2020 Made of Alligator Mississippiensis Colorway: Beige / Silvery Silver-tone rings "HERMÈS" and "...
Charming Peruzzi Silver Cherub Pill Box
Located in New York, NY
Charming Peruzzi Silver Cherub Pill Box of 800 silver. Made by Fratelli Peruzzi circa 1950's with gilt vermeil interior. Signed.
Malle Penderie Goyard circa 1940
By Goyard
Located in SÈVRES, FR
Rare malle penderie Goyard des années 40 avec tiroir et portants. Laiton et poignées cuir d’origine. État d’usage. Maison : Goyard Type : Malle penderie de voyage Période : Années 1...
C1920 Louis Vuitton Leather suitcase
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Daventry, GB
Rare Antique Louis Vuitton Leather Suitcase, circa 1920 A beautiful and highly collectible Louis Vuitton leather suitcase dating from circa 1920, featuring a rich brown leather exte...
A Precious Hermès Toiletry Leather Travel Case Circa 1970
By Hermès
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1970 France Elegant vintage Hermès travel case with toiletries in a red Hermès leather case with compartments. This case is stamped Hermès P...
HERMES HAC 32 Epsom Tan Brown Cognac Gold Men's Women's Top Handle Tote Bag
By Hermès
Located in Charlotte, NC
Pre-Owned Vintage Condition From 2007 Collection Epsom Leather Gold Hardware Includes Clochette, Padlock, Keys, Rain Cover, Dust Bag, Box W 12.6 x H 10.2 x D 6.7 " Handle Drop 3" 10...
HERMES HAC 55 Chocolate Brown Courchevel Leather Gold Top Handle Travel Tote
By Hermès
Located in Charlotte, NC
Pre-Owned Vintage Condition From 1980 Collection Courchevel Leather Gold Tone Hardware Leather Lining Measures 21.75" W x 17.25" H x 10.5" D Handle Drop 3" Includes Clochette, Padloc...
Hermes Tou Tou Pet Carrier Toile and Buffalo Skipper Leather Trimmed
By Hermès
Located in New Hope, PA
This Tou Tou pet carrier from Hermes is so luxurious, and every detail is so well thought out for the comfort of your pet. The bag has leather accents and one end is all leather with...
Hermes Birkin 50 HAC Blue Leather Men's Travel Top Handle Satchel Tote
By Hermès
Located in Charlotte, NC
The Rare, All-Purpose Hermes Birkin You Need. The motherlode of Hermes Birkin bags, this chic and smart Hermes Birkin 50 is the epitome of a lifesty...
Sold
H 10.5 in W 15.75 in D 5.25 in
Hermes Birkin 40 Green Leather Gold Carryall Travel Top Handle Satchel Tote Bag
By Hermès
Located in Charlotte, NC
Hermes Birkin 40 Green Leather Gold Carryall Travel Top Handle Satchel Tote Bag Leather Gold tone hardware Leather lining Date code present Made in France Handle drop 4.25" Measures...
Hermes Tan Canvas Cognac Leather Men's Women's Travel Rollerbag Luggage Suitcase
By Hermès
Located in Charlotte, NC
Canvas Leather Palladium-plated hardware Canvas lining Zipper closure Handle drop 2.5" Retractable handle 17" Measures 14.5" W x 22" H x 9.5" D Includes luggage cover...
Hermes Cognac Wood Women'sMen's Jewelry Storage Box Travel Case
By Hermès
Located in Charlotte, NC
Lacquered wood Suede lining Leather and brass drawer pulls Features two drawers and one removable stray Made in France Measures 9.5" W x 10.5" H x 10.75" D 100% authenticity guaran...
Hermes Birkin 40 Gray Leather Gold Travel Men's Top Handle Satchel Tote
By Hermès
Located in Charlotte, NC
Leather Gold tone hardware Leather lining Date code present Made in France Handle drop 4" Measures 15.75" W x 11.5" H x 8" D Includes original Hermes clochette, keys and padlock 100...
Hermes 'H' Men's Women's Jewelry Watch Storage Box Travel Case
By Hermès
Located in Charlotte, NC
Cedar Wood Silver tone hardware Suede lining Signed Hermes Features nine watch compartments and 12 smaller compartments Includes key Measures 15.5" W x 10.5" L x 4.5" H 100% authe...
Hermes Red Leather Fabric Men's Women's Travel Carryall Backpack Bag
By Hermès
Located in Charlotte, NC
Hermes Black Leather Silver Large LapTop Business Envelope Clutch CarryAll Bag Leather Fabric Leather lining Made in France Shoulder strap drop 25" Measures 9" W x 11.5" H x 6.25...
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H 10.5 in W 14 in D 0.5 in
Hermes Black Leather Silver Large LapTop Business Envelope Clutch CarryAll Bag
By Hermès
Located in Charlotte, NC
Hermes Black Leather Silver Large LapTop Business Envelope Clutch CarryAll Bag Leather Gold hardware Buckle closure Made in France Date code present Measures 14" W x 10.5" H x...

Epsom is a stamped or embossed calf leather (as opposed to being a grained leather like Togo or Clemence, or a smooth leather like Swift or Box). It is lightweight and stiff; thus Epsom is known for its ability to retain structure over time. Epsom is the primary leather used to make Sellier Kelly and Birkin bags which feature outside stitching on its edges which result in a crisp and sharp line. Epsom is more rain-resistant than other calf leathers.

Hermes bags have blindstamps, placed under the plaques or on the interior. Usually they are placed close to the date stamps denoting the year of production. Recently, in a small % of receipts, the blind stamp is also printed on the store receipt which can be matched to the blind stamp inside the bag.

It is virtually impossible to walk into an Hermes store as a new customer and be offered a Birkin for purchase. Most Birkins are offered to loyal clients who have established a purchase history at a particular store and with a particular sales associate who may take note of your Birkin or Kelly wish.