Exceptional Old Paris France Map from 1853 in a Hermès Leather Case
View Similar Items
Exceptional Old Paris France Map from 1853 in a Hermès Leather Case
About the Item
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.
- RARE Wedgwood Jasperware Blue Rotary Dial Astral Vintage Telephone CollectorBy WedgwoodLocated in FRExceptional and Rare Authentic Wedgwood® Blue Jasper Astral Telephone The telephone is from the Astral brand, and the decor is from Wedgwood® Wedgwood® is a Registered Company of B...Category
Late 20th Century English Decorative Objects
- Hermès Keychain Key Holder Trimmings Tassel Pompom in Silver RAREBy HermèsLocated in FRRare Collectible Authentic Hermès Key Holder In shape of a trimmings tassel Vintage item Made of silver Colorway: silvery Opens by pressing on the ribbed part "HERMES" ( a bit erased) and hallmarks engraved on the the clasp tab Measurements: - Total length closed around 8,5 cm (3,35 inches) - Pompom alone is 4 cm long (1,75 inch) Condition: Excellent. No structural issue. No missing part. Closure system perfectly works. Clean. Would make a great gift ! Will come in its original vintage grey Hermès...Category
20th Century Unknown For The Desk
- Exceptional Hermès Pipe Holder Stirrup Shaped in Brass and Leather TexasBy HermèsLocated in FRStunning and Rare Authentic Hermès Pipe Holder In shape of a stirrup Can hold up to 3 pipes (comes with no pipe) Made of gilded brass and leather, saddle stitching Colorways: gol...Category
Mid-20th Century French For The Desk
- Exceptional Hermès Ashtray Change Tray Golden Pineapple in PorcelainBy HermèsLocated in FRLovely and rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Pineapples Made in France Vintage item Made of porcelain with golden edges Colorways: White, Blue, Green, Golden Bottom is cover...Category
Late 20th Century French Ashtrays
- Rare Hermès Ashtray Change Tray Golf Ball Shaped Ravinet d'Enfert in SilverBy HermèsLocated in FRExceptional Authentic Hermès Ashtray / Change Tray Round, with the shape of a half golf ball in its center Made by Ravinet d'Enfert for Hermès Vintage item Made of silver Color...Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Ashtrays
- Beautiful Hermès Vintage Ashtray Change Tray FeathersBy HermèsLocated in FRBeautiful Authentic Hermès Ashtray Pattern: Feathers Made in France Vintage Item Made of Porcelain Colorways: White, Shades of Blue, Green, Golden edges Bottom is covered with...Category
Late 20th Century French Ashtrays
- 1970s Gucci Pewter Mini Sparrow Votive Holder Desk AccessoryBy GucciLocated in West Hollywood, CAPresenting a miniature votive holder/trinket bowl made by Gucci in the 1970s. In the form of a small sparrow, this piece is made of heavy silver-toned me...Category
1970s Italian For The Desk
- 1970s Gucci Anchor & Rope Nautical Leather BookendsBy GucciLocated in West Hollywood, CAPresenting a pair of nautical anchor bookmarks made by Gucci in Italy. This rare set features two miniature metal anchors with two real miniature ropes d...Category
1970s Italian For The Desk
- 1980s Gucci Equestrian Wooden Web Stripe Boot JackBy GucciLocated in London, GBAn exceptional piece from the very core of Gucci House, this boot jack is made of wood, featuring leather trim, original cloth leather stripe, gold tone me...Category
1980s Italian Decorative Objects
- HERMES Vintage Rare Buckle Motif Paper Clip HolderBy HermèsLocated in Nice, FRHERMES vintage rare silver tone paper clip holder featuring a large iconic gold tone buckle design. Embossed HERMES PARIS Made in France Silversmith...Category
20th Century French For The Desk
- Chanel Black and White Game Series Rugby FootballBy ChanelLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis authentic Chanel Black and White Game Series Rugby Football is in pristine condition. Rare and collectible item. PBF 13076Category
21st Century and Contemporary Decorative Objects
- Hermes Change Tray Zebra Pegasus Limoges Porcelain Rare PrintBy HermèsLocated in Miami, FLMightychic offers an Hermes marvelous Zebra Pegasus Limoges porcelain change tray. Bougainvillier colourway features beautifully detailed feathered wings...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French For The Desk
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.