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.
Hermes Paris porcelain ashtray
By Hermès
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Hermès Paris Porcelain Ashtray This ashtray features a charming, detailed design of a duck in a natural setting, with delicate brushstrokes and a harmonious color palette. The depict...
Porcelain
Baccarat Crystal Decanter holder, Hermès, Paris, circa 1955, designed by Jacques
By Hermès, Jacques Adnet, Baccarat
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
Art Deco / Modernist Style. Hermès Ice Bucket / Bottle Cooler.
By Hermès
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Art Deco / Modernist Style. Hermès Ice Bucket / Bottle Cooler. Hermès Ice Bucket / Cooler, Art Deco / Modernist Style. Marked on bottom. Fine Quali...
Brass
Paul Dupré-Lafon, Hermès Desk Clock, c.1935
By Hermès
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Vintage Hermes Brown Leather Desk/Table Clock, 1930s This is a beautiful Art Deco style table/desk clock. Original leather with gold brass details. hand-stitched by Hermès echappeme...
Brass
$2,200
Hermes Tape Dispenser
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Classic vintage Hermès tape dispenser in silver with a brass belt buckle detail. Hermès PARIS, Made In France stamped on outer rim. Dispenser has a lid whi...
Metal
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
Hermès - Vintage Palonnier Bag
By Hermès
Located in Beaune, FR
Hermès "Palonnier" handbag in black crocodile leather, gold-plated flap closure, black crocodile handle allowing the bag to be carried by hand or over the shoulder. Black leather lin...
Metal
Hermes Equestrian Desk Tray, 1960s France
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant silver Hermès desk tray with a detailed horse head handle in solid metal. Hermès Paris stamped on the side as well as Made In France. Beautiful con...
Metal
1970's Stitched leather box by Hermès
By Hermès
Located in Bois-Colombes, FR
Stitched leather box probably designed by Paul Dupre-Lafon Signed by Hermès Good condition
Leather
Italian Mid-Century Modern Neoclassical Gilt Iron Console by Banci for Hermès
By Giovanni Banci, Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Exquisite Italian Modern neoclassical console in classic Hermes styling featuring horse hardware motifs. The console / sofa table is in hand hammered and gilt iron by Giovanni Banci for Hermes...
Travertine, Wrought Iron
Hermes Horse / Equestrian Letter Opener, 1960s France
By Hermès
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Hermes Equestrian Letter Opener, 1960s France. Sleek Hermès letter opener in solid metal. Hermès Paris stamped. Beautiful light patina on the silver and on the blade. This piece is a...
Bronze
Hermès Paris Toucan Porcelain Small Cup Bowl & Dish
By Hermès
Located in Forney, TX
Add a touch of whimsical elegance and sophistication at your next dinner party with these charming Hermès Paris table articles! Comprising a scarce diminutive handleless cup / bowl,...
Porcelain
$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
Hermes, Paris, Equestrian / Horse Head Letter Opener, c.1960
By Ravinet D' Enfert, Hermès
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
1950s Hermès Matchbox
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Classic vintage Hermès matchbox. Matchbox has a metal sleeve with a cornucopia design and a leather box that fits into the metal sleeve. Engraved Herme...
Metal
Fine Important Lady De Rothschild Hermes Paris Farming Wicker Chrome Picnic Set
By Hermès
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this once in a lifetime opportunity to own this custom made suite of Hermes Paris “Farming” picnic equipment, B...
Chrome
$671Sale Price|40% Off
1920's Art Deco Period MD Initials Silver Cigarette or Namecard Case by Hermés.
By Hermès
Located in Trieste, IT
Rectangular cigarette Case by Hermés, signed and marked on both sides ( see hallmarks on photos ) The case is in solid silver with enamel linear decoration. 20 century 1st half, Art...
Silver, Enamel
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
$10,150Sale Price / set|30% Off
HERMES PARIS 1935 Art-Deco Round Box And Trays Desk Set In .950 Sterling Silver
By Ravinet D' Enfert, Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
A five-pieces desk set designed by Hermès Paris. This is a very rare desk-set created in Paris France by the luxury house of Hermès, during the art-deco period back in 1930. The fan...
Sterling Silver, Silver
Vintage Hermès 'Parmi les Fleurs' Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage designer silk scarf. By Hermès. In the Parmi les Fleurs (Amongst the Flowers) pattern. Simply a wonderful scarf! (Purse for display only and not included.) Date: ...
Silk
Hermès Paris Equestrian Horse Head Letter Opener – Made in France
By Hermès
Located in Victoria, BC
A finely detailed Hermès Paris equestrian-themed letter opener, beautifully formed with a sculptural horse head handle and a long, tapered blade. Elegant, functional, and distinctly ...
Metal
Hermès - Folding Armchair And Folding Stool Pippa Leather And Wood
By Rena Dumas, Hermès
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 Hermès Silver Bracelet 925 France
By Hermès
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Hermes Silver Bracelet 925 France. Vintage silver bracelet 925 representing horse bits connected between them by straps. Original velv...
Silver
Hermès Ravinet d'Enfert & Cie Rare Silver and Gold-Plated Box, France, 1970s
By Ravinet D' Enfert, Hermès
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 Mega Chariot Vide Poche Change Tray or Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hermes Mega Chariot rectangular porcelain ashtray, decorated using chromolithography in blue cobalt and silver colorway, with the notches and the c...
Porcelain
Vintage Midcentury Hermès Lizard Pocket Agenda
By Hermès
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage midcentury Hermès natural lizard skin pocket agenda, France, 1960s.
Lizard
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
Hermès Catchall, 1960s France
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful vintage Hermès catchall with a relief Cornucopia design in the center surrounded by scale engraving. Lovely bronze patina emerging from the relief design. Beautiful accent ...
Metal
Vintage 20th Century Hermès Gilt Brass Swiss Made Desk Clock c.1960
By Hermès
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A vintage 20th Century Hermès Paris desk clock with a finely engraved gilt brass case decorated in an intricate crosshatched pattern. The square architectural form is raised on a ste...
Brass
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
$4,165Sale Price / set|30% 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
Set of 6 Hermes Silver Plated Jewelry Trays and Cup, 1950s France
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful set of Hermès jewelry dishes. Hermès stamped on the side or base of each piece. Silver plated hallmarks throughout. Different designs ...
Metal
Mid 20th Century Hermes Silver Gilt Hand Mirror Paris Circa 1950
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
A Mid 20th century boxed Silver gilt Hermes hand mirror Marked Paris Date Circa 1950. This charming and elegant Hermes hand-mirror has a pivoting bevel ...
Silver
$1,800
Hermes Leather Box
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Black painted leather, oak interior. Impressed manufacturer's mark to underside ‘Hermès Paris’. 1955
Leather, Oak
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
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
Hermès - Folding Armchair Pippa Leather And Wood
By Rena Dumas, Hermès
Located in Boulogne Billancourt, FR
Folding Armchair "Pippa" made in taurillon Clémence gold leather and natural maple wood frame, brass finishes. Designed by Rena Dumas and made in Italy. Leather and wooden frame ...
Leather, Wood
Art Deco Horse Head Bookends by Hermès, Bronze and Wood, Circa 1930
By Hermès
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Pair of horse head bookends designed by Hermès made of bronze with a wooden base. France, CIRCA 1930.
Bronze
Hermès Paris Equestrian Porcelain Ashtray or Vide-Poche Change Tray
By Hermès
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Hermès Paris Equestrian Porcelain Ashtray or Vide-Poche, Catchall, Change Tray with Original Box, France A luxurious Hermès Paris porcelain ashtray, expertly crafted in France and d...
Porcelain
20th Century French Modern Leather Makeup/Vanity Wallet with Mirror by Hermès
By Hermès
Located in North Miami, FL
Mid-20th century Modern compact leather makeup/vanity wallet with mirror by Hermès Paris, France By: Hermès Paris Material: leather, mirror Technique: embossed, polished Dimensions: 1 in x 5.5 in x 7.5 in Date: mid-20th century Style: Mid-Century Modern, Space Age Place of origin: France Encased in fine reddish-brown leather, this mid-20th century Hermès vanity wallet is a sophisticated expression of modern design. The exterior features a subtly textured leather surface, accentuated by precise stitching and a geometric clasp adorned with a pale green panel. The closure mechanism, a structured leather strap looping through a matching leather slot, secures the case with refined simplicity. Inside, the wallet reveals a well-organized layout lined in soft beige, hosting a built-in mirror, a series of compartments, and a translucent amber-hued comb. The craftsmanship is evident in the meticulous finishing of each section, balancing elegance with practicality. The Hermès stamp...
Leather, Mirror
A Stunning 20th Century Ceramic 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
Hermès Paris 1960s Equestrian Horse Head Paper Weight– Made in France
By Hermès
Located in Victoria, BC
A refined vintage Hermès Paris desk accessory, made in France during the 1960s and designed in the maison’s iconic equestrian tradition. This elegant paper weight features a beautifu...
Metal
$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
$4,200Sale Price|30% Off
Art Deco / Mid Century Hermès Paris Table Mirror. France
By Hermès
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
The Hermès mirror is a study in refined simplicity and luxury. It features a rectangular reflective surface. The mirror rests on a two-part silver-tone base: a curved platform with s...
Brass
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
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
Horseshoe Table Clock by Hermès, 1930s France
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Highly unusual table clock by Hermes. Swiss movement recently serviced and in good working order. Clock features a horseshoe still attached to a horse hoof floating inside a metal structure resembling a stirrup. No other similar Hermes clock...
Metal
Hermes Bronze Console or Coatrack, France 1940's
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Rare bronze coatrack from a Hermès store display, Great for a chic coatroom or used with a glass atop the triangles it could make an elegant coatrack/Shelf or a striking console. Sig...
Brass, Bronze
HERMES PARIS BURR & BURL WALNUT & AMBOYNA DESK STATiONERY SET PAD HOLDER PEN POT
By Hermès
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely suite of original suite if super rare and highly collectable Hermes Paris stationary items A wo...
Walnut
Hermès Vintage Silver Plate Double Bridle Post Tray, Bowl, Barware France 1960's
By Hermès
Located in North Miami, FL
This amazing vintage Hermès rare silver plate double tray or bowl has the center of a rendition of the post that horses would have been bridled to. It is hallmarked Hermès Paris Made in France. This is the largest one seen that is vintage from the 1960s or very early 1970s. It is a rare tray or bowl because of its double size. This is great for serving or as a desk or cocktail accessory. It is rarely seen or on the market at this size. This came from a special Hermès private collector. Tres chic! This has good weight to it. The height to the center bridle circular post is 5". This is great barware as well. Hermes at...
Silver Plate
$3,202Sale Price|20% Off
Hermès, Scissors Equestrian Horse Head in Silver Plate, 1960's-1970's Paris
By Hermès, Ravinet D' Enfert
Located in Lausanne, CH
An elegant pair of scissors designed and retailed by Hermès, manufactured by silversmiths Ravinet d'Enfert, Paris France. The handles are silverplate and the blades are in stainless ...
Silver Plate, Stainless Steel
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
$1,800
1950s Hermès Ebony Brush
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful Hermès clothing brush. Made from rare Ebony Macassar wood, boar bristles and brass. This brush is meant to preserve the life and appearance o...
Brass
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
$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
A Stunning 20th Century Ceramic Ashtray By Hermès, France
By Hermès
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
This elegant ceramic ashtray by Hermès produced in France during the 20th century, exemplifies the House’s dedication to artistry and refinement. The piece features a graceful organi...
Ceramic
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
Hermes Wine Bottle Topper, 1960s France
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful vintage Hermès equestrian bottle topper. Horseshoe shape on top and "Hermès Paris" embossed on outer rim. Beautiful accent piece to elevate any bar, bar cart or dinner tabl...
Metal
20th Century French Four Piece Sideboard By Guido Faleschini For Hermes, c.1970
By Guido Faleschini, Hermès
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A superb four-piece sideboard consisting of three cabinets (one of which with dark smoked glass doors) and one bank of drawers designed by Guido Faleschini for Hermes, France, circa ...
Metal
Cambodia Presentation Glass Charger in Hermes Box
By Hermès
Located in Newark, England
FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING From our Glassware collection, we are pleased to offer this Cambodia Presentation Glass Charger in its original Hermes of Paris case. The charger is finely...
Leather, Glass
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.