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 - Silver Plated Novelty Dish / Vide Poche c.1960
By Ravinet D' Enfert, Hermès
Located in Bath, GB
A wonderful vintage vide poche (empty pocket) in silver plate comprising two parts, the dish itself and the golf ball on a stand. Both pieces are signed "Hermes Paris" and the dish ...
Silver Plate
Hermes, Paris - Novelty Horse Head Vide Poche / Dish c.1960
By Ravinet D' Enfert, Hermès
Located in Bath, GB
A wonderful vintage vide poche (empty pocket) in silver plate comprising two parts, the dish itself and the removable horse head on a stand. The dish is fully signed by the iconic F...
Silver Plate
Hermes, Paris - Equestrian Horse Head Magnifying Glass c.1960
By Ravinet D' Enfert, Hermès
Located in Bath, GB
A magnificent and grand vintage desk-top magnifying glass / loupe made with it's beautifully cast Hermes Horse head handle, lovely quality to be expected from this most famous of lux...
Silver Plate
Hermes, Paris - Sterling Silver Pill Box With 1873 Coin Inset
By Ravinet D' Enfert, Hermès
Located in Bath, GB
From the iconic French luxury retailer, this solid / sterling silver box was made by Hermes of Paris, fully signed on the side of the box together with the Minerva head mark (silver)...
Sterling Silver
Hermes, Paris - Rare Unused Gold Leather Clad Nutcrackers - 2002
By Hermès
Located in Bath, GB
An ultra rare find from the world renowned Maison Hermes or Paris. This is pair of unused nutcrackers / nut crackers made from a matte stainless steel manufactured in Germany and cl...
Stainless Steel
Hermès Vintage Calf Leather Jumping Saddle
By Hermès
Located in North Miami, FL
This is a highly sought after piece of equestrian excellence. A classic Hermès Steinkraus close-contact jumping saddle with key features such as silver metal buttons/nailheads and t...
Leather
Hermes, Paris - Horse Head / Equestrian Ice Cube Bucket c.1960
By Ravinet D' Enfert, Hermès
Located in Bath, GB
An iconic piece of barware, this silver plated ice bucket / server was made by the top-notch French silversmith, Ravinet d'Enfert, for the French fashion house Hermes of Paris. Th...
Silver Plate
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
Hermes, Paris, Rare Double Golf Vide Poche / Trays c.1960
By Hermès, Ravinet D' Enfert
Located in Bath, GB
A handsome and rare pair of silver plated dishes or bowls jointed together with a decorative Golf ball handle in the centre. Just back from our silversmith's workshop where it has b...
Silver Plate
Hermès, Paris - Rare Equestrian Champagne Bucket c.1960
By Hermès, Ravinet D' Enfert
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
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
Hermès Paris Set of 4 Stirrup Napkin Rings in Solid Silver & Vermeil circa 1970
By Hermès
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
Elegant and very rare set of four Hermès Paris stirrup-shaped napkin rings, comprising two examples in solid silver and two in vermeil. The design is a direct reference to the histor...
Vermeil, Silver
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
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
1960’s Hermes Paris Silver Plated Horse Equestrian Magnifying Paperweight W/Box
By Hermès
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A wonderful vintage Hermes Silverplated Horse motif magnifying paperweight. The detail of the casting is quite extraordinary. The original box is included although the box is quite...
Silver Plate
Rare Hermès, Paris Equestrian / Horse Box c.1970
By Hermès, Ravinet D' Enfert
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
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
$77,156Sale Price / set|25% Off
Hermès by Guido Faleschini - Extremely Rare 6-Unit Modular Sideboard 1971
By Hermès, Guido Faleschini
Located in Palermo, IT
Masterpiece Overview In the realm of Mid-Century Modern and collectible design, very few pieces manage to seamlessly merge architectural rigor with high-fashion heritage. This extrao...
Metal, Steel
Collection of 17 Vintage Hermès Paris Orange Presentation Boxes and Bags
By Hermès
Located in Morristown, NJ
A striking collection of authentic Hermès Paris presentation packaging in the celebrated French house’s unmistakable signature orange. The 17-piece assortment comprises 13 boxes in a...
Paper, Ribbon
$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
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
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
Hermes Equestrian Magnifying Loupe, 1970s France
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A remarkable piece to elevate any office, and an essential addition to your vintage Hermès collection. This elegant Hermès loupe is a stunning object. A d...
Metal, Silver
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
Set of 4 mid-century tubular armchairs by Guido Faleschini for Hermès
By Guido Faleschini, Hermès
Located in Palermo, IT
An exceptional and rare set of four mid-century modern cantilever armchairs designed by Italian master Guido Faleschini for the prestigious French luxury brand Hermès during the 1970...
Metal, Steel
Hermes Ceramic "Chaine D'Ancre" Vide Poche or Change Tray / Trinket Dish
By Hermès
Located in Malmö, SE
Hermès Porcelain Vide Poche / Change Tray / Trinket Dish in the classic "Chaine D'Ancre" pattern. Made in France, early 2000s. Excellent original condition. No chips, cracks or cra...
Porcelain
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
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
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 Porcelain Coupe "COCARDE DE SOIE"
By Hermès
Located in Schöfflisdorf, CH
Hermès porcelain coupe "COCARDE DE SOIE".
Porcelain
Vintage 20thC French Hermès Solid Silver Playing Cards Table Set
By Hermès
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Vintage 20th Century French solid silver playing cards table set by Hermés. Crafted from solid silver, the card holder features an engine turned pattern throughout the outer rectangu...
Silver
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
1950s Hermès Cigarette Holder
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Classic vintage Hermès cigarette box. Cigarette box is heavy and wrapped in leather. Cornucopia (Horn of Plenty) decorative lid. Removable metal i...
Metal
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
$10,079Sale Price|20% Off
Guido Faleschini Astro Marble and Leather Sideboard for i4 Mariani, 1979
By Hermès, Guido Faleschini, i4 Mariani
Located in Conversano, IT
Overview An important “ASTRO” sideboard designed by Guido Faleschini for i4 Mariani, produced in 1979, one of the most sophisticated examples of Italian radical-luxury design of that...
Marble
Rare silvered metal double vide-poche, Hermès, Paris, 1960.
By Hermès, Ravinet D' Enfert
Located in Paris, Ile-de-France
Rare Hermès silvered metal vide-poche. Two round cups linked by a handle in the shape of a horse bit. marked Hermès Paris Clover mark for Ravinet d'Enfert France circa 1960
Metal
Hermes Pheasant Letter Opener, 1960s France
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A stunning and eclectic addition to your office or display, this silver plated Hermès letter opener is incredibly rare. In the shape of a pheasant, with an elegant blade of tail feat...
Metal, Silver
Large round silver metal vide-poche, Hermès, Paris, 1960.
By Hermès, Ravinet D' Enfert
Located in Paris, Ile-de-France
Large round silvered metal vide-poche. The handle in the shape of a stylized horse head Marked "Hermès Paris" "made in France" with clover hallmark (maker's mark: Ravinet Denfert ...
Metal
Vintage Hermes Note Paper, 1980s France
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Original and unopened Hermes note paper with gold gilded edge paper. Hermes logo on the top of the stack of sheets. Hermes logo on box. Great piece for the...
Paper
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
Hermes Paris, Silver Plated Bottle Opener - Chess / Equestrian
By Ravinet D' Enfert, Hermès
Located in Bath, GB
A fabulous and substantial bottle opener designed by the iconic Parisian fashion house, Hermes and made by the renowned silversmith, Ravinet d’Enfert which made the majority of silve...
Silver Plate
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
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
Limited Edition Hermes Bicycle
By Hermès
Located in Red Lion, PA
Hermes "Quadrille Promenade" bicycle; style: "Le Flaneur d’Hermes"; driven transmission, hydraulic disc brakes and 8 or 11 gears integrated into the rear wheel hub; equipped with saf...
Metal
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
$6,935Sale Price / set|20% Off
Guido Faleschini Astro Smoked Glass and Suede Cabinets for i4 Mariani 1979
By i4 Mariani, Guido Faleschini, Hermès
Located in Conversano, IT
Overview A rare modular storage system called “ASTRO,” designed by Guido Faleschini for i4 Mariani in 1979, consisting of two coordinated elements united by an extremely sophisticate...
Suede, Smoked Glass
$729Sale Price|59% Off
Hermès Custom Silk Scarf Pillow 'Hello Dolly' by Loic Dubigeon with Hermès Box
By Hermès
Located in McKinney, TX
One-of-a-kind handmade custom luxury pillow crafted from a colorful and whimsical vintage "Hello Dolly" Hermès silk scarf designed by Loic Dubigeon. Fabricated using the entire scarf...
Silk
Hermes Brandebourgs Vide Poche or Change Tray
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Hermes "Brandebourgs" orange square porcelain vide poche, change tray, or pocket emptier with braided rope motif / Made in France circa 1980s Original stamp at underside /co...
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, Paris - Pair Sterling Silver / Silver Gilt Napkin Rings
By Hermès
Located in Bath, GB
Dating to c.1950, this is an original vintage pair of solid sterling napkin rings sitting in their original presentation case (age related marks to the exterior), the box even contai...
Sterling 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 Porcelain Plate "Cocarde de soie"
By Hermès
Located in Schöfflisdorf, CH
Hermès porcelain plate "Cocarde de soie".
Porcelain
Hermès Paris 1960s Equestrian Horse Head Bottle Opener – Made in France
By Hermès
Located in Victoria, BC
A stylish vintage Hermès Paris bottle opener, made in France during the 1960s and designed in the maison’s iconic equestrian style. This refined desk or bar accessory features a beau...
Metal
Hermès Paris Chaîne d'Ancre Porcelain Nut or Sweetmeat Dishes, Set of Four
By Hermès
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Hermès Paris Chaîne d'Ancre Porcelain Nut or Sweetmeat Dishes, Set of Four Hermès Paris Chaîne d'Ancre porcelain nut or sweetmeat dishes, set of four, presented in their original in...
Porcelain
Mid-Century Foldable Leather Travel Alarm Clock by LeCoultre for Hermès, France
By Bafico, Hermès, Jaeger-LeCoultre
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
$8,750Sale Price|30% Off
Hermes Paris & Ravinet D’enfert, a Rare French Silver-Gilt Smoking Set
By Hermès
Located in Long Island City, NY
Hermes Paris & Ravinet d’Enfert, a rare French silver-gilt smoking set, circa 1930. MARK OF Ravinet D’Enfert, PARIS, 20TH CENTURY, RETAILED BY HERMES Very rare collectors p...
Silver
Hermes Belt Buckle Catchall, 1960s France
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant and understated, this vintage Hermès catchall tray dates to the 1960s. Crafted with a polished stainless steel interior and framed by a gold plated rim, the shallow circular ...
Metal, Gold Plate, Silver
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
$630Sale Price / item|30% Off
Hermes Pillow Clic Clac Quadrille
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing the exquisite limited edition Hermes Fabric Clic Clic Quadrille, a truly exceptional piece that encapsulates the essence of luxury, craftsmanship, and timeless beauty. Me...
Silk
Vintage Sideboard by Guido Faleschini for Hermès, 1970s
By Guido Faleschini, Hermès
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
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.