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.
Vintage Hermes Horse Bit Bottle Opener c.1970
By Hermès
Located in Bath, GB
A stunning example of a vintage equestrian bottle opener dating to c.1970. The handle is gold plated bronze fashioned in the form of a horse bit and the bottle opener itself made fr...
Gold Plate
Hammered Iron Coffee Table by Giovanni Banci for Hermès, 1980s
By Hermès, Giovanni Banci
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Modern Hammered Bronzed Iron Coffee Table, Giovanni Banci for Hermès Italy, Late 20th century Two pieces: the wrought Iron base and Glass top The base measures 40 inches square and 1...
Iron
Pair of Vintage Hermes Silk Astrology Scarf Backed in Irish Linen Pillow Brown
By Hermès
Located in Belfast, Northern Ireland
Title: Pair of Vintage Hermes Silk Astrology scarf backed in Irish linen pillow Brown Description: Katie Larmour Studio is the original vintage scarf pillow maker. Gaining notabilit...
Textile, Linen, Silk
Rare Hermès, Paris Equestrian / Horse Box c.1970
By Ravinet D' Enfert, Hermès
Located in Bath, GB
A very rare example of a French mid-century modern silver plate and gold plate box by the iconic French fashion house, Hermès of Paris. A stunning design in silverplate with a gilde...
Gold Plate, Silver Plate
Vintage Hermes Silk Scarf and Irish Linen Luxury Cushion Pillow Pastel Blue Pink
By Hermès
Located in Belfast, Northern Ireland
Katie Larmour Studio is the original vintage scarf pillow maker. Gaining notability for her unique idea and creations back in 2013 - featured in the likes of the Financial Times, and...
Textile, Linen, Silk
Vintage Hermes Silk Scarf and Irish Linen Luxury Cushion Pillow Orange Blue
By Hermès
Located in Belfast, Northern Ireland
Katie Larmour Studio is the original vintage scarf pillow maker. Gaining notability for her unique idea and creations back in 2013 - featured in the likes of the Financial Times, and...
Textile, Linen, Silk
$699Sale Price|22% Off
Hermes "Chaine D'Ancre" Vide Poche or Change Tray
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Hermes "Chaine D'Ancre" blue rectangular porcelain vide poche, change tray or pocket emptier / Made in France circa 1990s Original stamp at underside Width: 6.5 inches / Dept...
Porcelain
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Leather-Covered Wood Bookends by the Hermès, France
By Hermès
Located in North Miami, FL
Pair of mid-20th century Modern leather-covered wood bookends by the luxury brand Hermès Paris, France By: Hermès Paris Material: wood, leather Technique: carved, hand-carved, hand-...
Wood
$699Sale Price|22% Off
Hermes "Chaine D'Ancre" Vide Poche or Change Tray
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Hermes "Chaine D'Ancre" platinum rectangular porcelain vide-poche, change tray or pocket emptier / Made in France circa 1990s Original stamp at underside / comes in original ...
Porcelain
Guido Faleschini for Hermés. 20th-century French sideboard with 6 modules.
By Guido Faleschini, Hermès
Located in Palermo, IT
Amazing and very rare 6-module sideboard designed by Guido Faleschini for Hermès in 1971. The only specimen currently on the market with 6 complete elements. The cabinet has a centr...
Metal, Steel
$16,700Sale Price|24% Off
Rare Hermès Paris Guanaco Fur and Wool Blanket, c 1980s France, Signed
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Experience the epitome of luxury with this large exquisite vintage Hermès Guanaco (cousin to the Alpaca) fur blanket, crafted circa 1980s in Paris France. Known for their unparalleled craftsmanship and exclusivity, Hermes blankets of this era were produced in limited quantities, making them highly coveted and often requiring waitlists to acquire. Signed with a 'Hermès Paris' vintage label, a mark of its exceptional quality and heritage. This particular piece features a sumptuous blend of Guanaco fur, known for its supple texture and rich brown hue. The fur is meticulously floated over a backdrop of cashmere and wool blend, ensuring both warmth and sophistication. Perfect for adding a touch of elegance to any living space or bedroom, this Hermes fur...
Fur, Wool
$1,999Sale Price|20% Off
Hermès Carnets D'Équateur Hand Painted Tea Caddy, Lacquered Wood
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare Hermes "Carnets D'Équateur" multi-color tea caddy in hand painted lacquered wood with jungle motif and stainless steel interior / Made in Vietnam Original stamp at underside / c...
Wood
1940s Paul Dupré-Lafon for Hermès Rare Desk Pieces- Set of 4
By Paul Dupré-Lafon, Hermès
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A incredibly rare 4 piece set for the discerning collection. Designed in the 1940s by Paul Dupré-Lafon for Hermès. This is an investment grade set that will likely continue to rise i...
Metal
Hermès Porcelain Plate "Cocarde de soie"
By Hermès
Located in Schöfflisdorf, CH
Hermès porcelain plate "Cocarde de soie".
Porcelain
Vintage Hermes Silk Astrology Scarf Backed in Irish Linen Pillow Rust Red
By Hermès
Located in Belfast, Northern Ireland
Title: Vintage Hermes Silk Astrology scarf backed in Irish linen pillow Rust Red Description: Katie Larmour Studio is the original vintage scarf pillow maker. Gaining notability for...
Textile, Linen, Silk
$599Sale Price|20% Off
Hermes "Chaine D'Ancre" Vide Poche or Change Tray
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Hermes "Chaine D'Ancre" platinum square porcelain vide-poche, change tray or pocket emptier with base in suede / Made in France circa 1990s Original stamp on the side / comes...
Porcelain
Hermès, Paris - Rare Equestrian Champagne Bucket c.1960
By Ravinet D' Enfert, Hermès
Located in Bath, GB
A rare opportunity to acquire one of these iconic and highly coveted Champagne buckets in silver plate by the luxury Maison Hermès of Paris. Perfect for the Equestrian devotee, with...
Silver Plate
Vintage Hermes Silk Scarf and Irish Linen Luxury Cushion Pillow Pale Blue Gold
By Hermès
Located in Belfast, Northern Ireland
Katie Larmour Studio is the original vintage scarf pillow maker. Gaining notability for her unique idea and creations back in 2013 - featured in the likes of the Financial Times, and...
Textile, Linen, Silk
Vintage Hermes “Lipstick” Lighter Working
By Hermès
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A wonderful vintage lighter by the Iconic French firm of Hermes. The lighter works on lighter fluid with a reservoir on the bottom that’s is accessed via a little screw. The spark is...
Metal
Hermès Porcelain Coupe "COCARDE DE SOIE"
By Hermès
Located in Schöfflisdorf, CH
Hermès porcelain coupe "COCARDE DE SOIE".
Porcelain
Baccarat Crystal Decanter holder, Hermès, Paris, circa 1955, designed by Jacques
By Jacques Adnet, Baccarat, Hermès
Located in Bath, GB
A rare and highly sought-after stitched leather double decanter holder designed by Jacques Adnet for the French fashion house, Hermes of Paris. The caddy is fitted with two cut crys...
Crystal
Hermes Silver Cube Lighter, 1960s France
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Magnificent cube lighter by Hermes, Paris. In cast metal with silver plating, this piece is meticulously handcrafted. The letter 'H' emerges from the structural silhouettes, echoing ...
Metal, Silver
Piatto di Hermès in porcellana "Cocarde de soie" 1980s
By Hermès
Located in Palermo, PA
Hermès Porcelain Plate, Cocarde de Soie. This exquisite piece features beautiful colors and dates back to the 1980s. Condition: Used, but in go...
Porcelain
$6,400Sale Price|39% Off
Hermes Chess Set, 1985
By Hermès, Rena Dumas
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A beautiful and elegant chess set designed by Rena Dumas for Hermes circa 1985. Come with a leather folder. Pieces are made of steel and brass. The King...
Metal
Hermes Horse Head / Equestrian Letter Opener, 1960s France
By Hermès
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Hermes Equestrian Letter Opener, 1960s France. Sleek Hermès letter opener with a detailed horse head handle in solid metal. Hermès Paris stamped on the top of blade. Beautiful light ...
Bronze
Hermès Equestrian Paper Weight, 1960s France
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant silver plates Hermès paper weight/ reading guide with a detailed horse head handle in solid metal. Hermès Paris stamped on the base as well...
Metal
Hermès - Folding Armchair And Folding Stool Pippa Leather And Wood
By Hermès, Rena Dumas
Located in Boulogne Billancourt, FR
Folding Armchair and Folding Stool "Pippa" made in natural cowhide leather and pear wood frame, brass finish. Designed by Rena Dumas and made in Italy. Leather and wooden frame sig...
Leather, Wood
Vintage Sideboard by Guido Faleschini for Hermès, 1970s
By Hermès, Guido Faleschini
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage modular Sideboard by Guido Faleschini for Hermès. Wood, metal and leather. An iconic piece, in original very good condition.
Metal, Steel
Magnifying Glass Signed Hermès Paris Montre Dressage 2OO3 Loupe In the Pocket
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
BEAUTIFULL Stitched Leather Loupe in the Pocket DATE 2003 AND SIGNED Hermès A STRIPE ON ONE FACE OF THE GLASS
Leather, Glass
Hermes Golf Ball Magnifying Loupe, 1960s France
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This vintage Hermes magnifying glass/loupe is a beautiful personality piece that is ideal for a golf lover or vintage Hermes collector. Large g...
Metal
$4,760Sale Price / set|20% Off
HERMES Paris 1970 Table Menu-Cards Holders With Napoleon Coins 925 Sterling
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Table cards holders designed by Hermes. This is a very rare and unusual set of four table menu-card holders created in Paris France by the luxury house of Hermes, back in the 1960-1...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Mid-Century Foldable Leather Travel Alarm Clock by LeCoultre for Hermès, France
By Jaeger-LeCoultre, Bafico, Hermès
Located in North Miami, FL
Mid-20th century foldable leather travel alarm clock by swiss Jaeger-LeCoultre for the luxury design house Hermès Paris, France By: Hermès ...
Metal
Hermès Cheval d'Orient Porcelain Change Tray by Nathalie Rolland Huckel
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermès Cheval d'Orient Porcelain Change Tray by Nathalie Rolland Huckel. Tray is in excellent condition with very minimal to no wear. Comes in original Hermes box.
Porcelain
Vintage Hermes Anchor - Nautical - Boating Paperweight 1960´s
By Hermès
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Vintage Hermes Anchor - Nautical - Boating Paperweight 1960´s. This Hermes Anchor paperweight is a distinguished vintage desk accessory, crafted from chromed metal, from around the ...
Bronze
Hermès Ravinet d'Enfert & Cie Rare Silver and Gold-Plated Box, France, 1970s
By Hermès, Ravinet D' Enfert
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Hermès and executed by silversmith Ravinet d'Enfert & Cie, very rare exquisite rectangular hinge lidded box consisting of silver-plated ground adorned with central gold-p...
Gold Plate, Silver Plate
Hermes Equestrian Wine Bottle Topper, 1960s France
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful vintage Hermès equestrian bottle topper. Large horse head atop a rounded pedestal. Hermès Paris stamped on outer rim. Stunning accent piec...
Metal
Pair Métaphores Black Espresso Zebra Silk Pillows With Leather Trim
By Hermès
Located in Houston, TX
Pair custom 22" x 22" Métaphores zebra silk fabric, feather down pillows with espresso leather trim welt. This beautiful limited textile is a heavy weight upholstery silk twill.
Leather, Silk
$8,850Sale Price|25% Off
Hermès Couvertures et Tunues de Jour Velvet Trompe L'Oeil Throw Blanket, France
By Hermès
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Hermès Couvertures et Tunues de Jour velvet Trompe L'Oeil throw blanket, France. Beautiful and rare Hermes throw blanket in cotton velvet. Signed ...
Velvet
Hermès Paris Mahogany Stationery / Correspondence Box, 1988
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Hermès Paris Mahogany Stationery / Correspondence Box, 1988 This refined Hermès correspondence box exemplifies the Maison’s dedication to craftsmanship, discretion, and timeless lu...
Brass
Brass and Silver Plated Box with Horse Decoration by Hermes, France, c. 1955
By Hermès
Located in New York City, NY
Segmented silver box with a mahogany interior, and two slots. Likely designed to hold cards.
Silver Plate, Brass
$6,230Sale Price|30% Off
HERMES leather Travel Case Circa 1989
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Vintage HERMES Leather suitcase, with brass locks, cotton interior with leather straps. Leather handle all Original. Locks are stamped "Hermes ...
Leather
$1,300Sale Price|31% Off
Wonderful Small Suitcase by Hermès, Paris
By Hermès
Located in Munich, DE
Wonderful small suitcase by Hermès, Paris. Two keys included.
Brass
1970's valet porte vétements par Paul Dupre-Lafon for Hermès
By Hermès
Located in Bois-Colombes, FR
Very nice Paul Dupre-Lafon for Hermès valet In great condition Signed stamped prototype This is a master piece for your collection
Brass
Mid-20th C. Modern French Red Leather Cylindrical Umbrella Stand by Hermès Paris
By Hermès
Located in North Miami, FL
Mid-20th century Modern french red leather cylindrical umbrella stand by Hermès Paris By: Hermès Paris Material: leather, thread Technique: dyed, carved, hand-carved Dimensions: 8 in x 25.5 in Date: mid-20th century Style: Mid-Century Modern, Space Age Place of origin: France This sturdy cylindrical red leather umbrella stand was handcrafted by Hermès in France...
Leather, Thread
Hermes, Paris, Equestrian / Horse Head Letter Opener, c.1960
By Hermès, Ravinet D' Enfert
Located in Bath, GB
A highly collectable letter opener or paper knife made in gilded bronze and dating to c.1960; a scarce-find in the gold colour. The handle is in the form of a horse head, beautifu...
Bronze
Hermes Stuffed Toy Hermy Horse
By Hermès
Located in Munich, DE
Hermes Hermy The Horse small plush toy 100% authentic. The outside is 100% acrylic, while the inside is 100% polyester, as shown on the label. The hors...
Acrylic
$1,000 / item
Hermes Pillow Circuit 24, Orange
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing the exquisite limited edition Hermes Fabric Circuit 24, a truly exceptional piece that encapsulates the essence of luxury, craftsmanship, and timeless beauty. Meticulousl...
Cotton, Silk
Hermes 'Savannah Dance' Longboard, 2020s France
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Get swept away on this whimsical longboard. Featuring the iconic designs of the Ardmore Collective x Hermès 'Savannah Dance' collection, this board is decorated with various colorful...
Beech
Vintage Midcentury Hermès Red Ostrich Pocket Agenda with Pen
By Hermès
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage midcentury Hermès red ostrich pocket agenda with attached pen, 1960s France.
Ostrich Leather
$19,100
HERMES Hunting case C.1930s
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Leather Shotgun Shell Case front edge center stamped "HERMES PARIS," and to the right edge corner, there is the number '13" stamped in leather. Hardware is stamped HERMES. Th...
Aluminum, Brass
Hermes Paris porcelain ashtray
By Hermès
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Hermes Paris Porcelain Ashtray Rectangular white porcelain ashtray with gold details on the edges. It features a central design of a horse in harness and gold and black decoration. I...
Porcelain
$1,500
Hermes Riding Crop
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Hermes riding crop with deer antler handle. The shaft is covered in a beautifully braided leather and finished at the bottom with twine. The...
Silver
$1,836Sale Price|20% Off
Hermes Paris 1960 Vintage Horse Motif Desk Magnifier Glass in Silver
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Desk magnifier glass designed by Hermes. Fabulous and highly decorative piece, created in Paris, France by the house of Hermes, back in the 1960. ...
Silver, Silver Plate
20th Century French Silver Plate & Gilt Table Lighter By Hermès, Paris c.1960
By Hermès
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A superb 20th Century French silver plated table lighter by Hermès, Paris. Crafted in a cylinder form with a gilt horsebit mounted to the top of the lid, this lighter features a push...
Silver Plate
$1,920Sale Price / set|20% Off
Hermes Paris 1960 Vintage Modernist Desk Box Round Covered Dish In silver
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Round covered dish designed by Hermes. This is a very beautiful and highly decorative piece, created in Paris France by the luxury house of Hermes, back in the 1960. This useful des...
Silver
$2,094Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of 4 Spherical Pearwood Candleholders by Bottega Ghianda for Hermès, 1970s
By Bottega Ghianda, Hermès
Located in Brescia, Brescia
An exceptional set of four spherical candleholders, exquisitely handcrafted in pearwood by the illustrious Bottega Ghianda for Hermès Paris. Measuring 10 cm in diameter and 9 cm in ...
Pearwood
A Stunning 20th Century Ashtray By Hermès, France
By Hermès
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A ceramic ashtray by Hermes, made in France in the latter half of the 20th century. These ashtrays have always been very collectable with the vintage models in particular. This one h...
Ceramic
Two 20th Century Art Deco Hermes Paris Desk Set Pieces circa 1930-1935
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Two beautiful and desirable vintage desk pieces by the most famous luxury brand, the crocodile skin still has its original sheen and is in very good condition. Both pieces have st...
Crocodile
Hermès Anti-Stress Ball in Tan Leather, 2000s France
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This one's for the baseball lovers and luxury collectors. Designed as a limited-edition item, Hermès released these "Herstress" anti-stress balls in the 2000s. With quality always at...
Lambskin, Leather
$700 / item
Hermes Pillow Fil D'Argent
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing the exquisite limited edition Hermes Fabric Fil D'Argent, a truly exceptional piece that encapsulates the essence of luxury, craftsmanship, and timeless beauty. Meticulou...
Cotton
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.
Select Hermes goods go on sale twice a year in Paris, but Birkins – being highly coveted–are not known to be found at the sale.