Hermès Brown Boxcalf Briefcase
View Similar Items
Hermès Brown Boxcalf Briefcase
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Height: 11.42 in (29 cm)Length: 14.57 in (37 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Please note this item is in good condition with minor wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Paris, FR
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU18722015813
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.
- Hermes Orange Vinyl Kelly Beach BagBy HermèsLocated in Paris, FRHermes 1998 orange vinyl Kelly 40 beach bag featuring Transparent Plastic Bag-Shaped Kelly, hardware in gilt silver tone metal, a slogan print to the front...Category
1990s French Briefcases and Attachés
On Hold$2,187 - Bordeaux Box Leather Hermes Sac A Depeches BriefcaseBy HermèsLocated in Paris, FRHermes bordeaux box leather "Sac à Depeches" Briefcase featuring single flat top handle, a foldover top, a buckle fastening, gold-tone hardware, partitioned compartment. Pitted Herme...Category
1970s French Briefcases and Attachés
- Louis Vuitton Ambassador Black SuitcaseBy Louis VuittonLocated in Paris, FRLouis Vuitton black Epi leather" Ambassador" suitcase featuring a top handle, a foldover top with flip-lock closure, a textured Epi leather detail, gold-tone hardware, accordion deta...Category
Early 2000s French Top Handle Bags
- Louis Vuitton Black Ambassador Epi Leather Briefcase BagBy Louis VuittonLocated in Paris, FRLouis Vuitton black "Epi leather" Ambassador briefcase featuring a top handle, a foldover top with flip-lock closure, a textured Epi leather detail, gold-tone hardware, accordion det...Category
Early 2000s French Top Handle Bags
- Van Cleef & Arpels Enveloppe Tassel Evening BagBy Van Cleef & ArpelsLocated in Paris, FRVan Cleef & Arpels black enveloppe tassel bag featuring black fabric with gold-tone metallic finishing, a twisted crossbody strap & duo tassels, black silk interior with flap pocket...Category
1980s French Structured Shoulder Bags
- 1970s Gucci Navy Suede Leather Shoulder BagBy GucciLocated in Paris, FRGucci navy suede shoulder bag featuring leather trim, detachable shoulder strap, front zip-fastening compartment, internal zip-fastening pocket, internal logo stamp, full lining, si...Category
1970s Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
On Hold$758
- Vintage Louis Vuitton Taiga Leather Pilot BriefcaseBy Louis VuittonLocated in Fort Lauderdale, FLThe ultimate in travel bag making luxury craftsmanship. The Iconic House of Louis Vuitton always provides us with timeless and classic pieces. The beautiful circa 2004 briefcase take...Category
Early 2000s French Briefcases and Attachés
- Louis Vuitton Monogram Briefcase Business BagBy Louis VuittonLocated in Saint-ouen, FRThis Louis Vuitton Briefcase bag features Louis Vuitton monogram and cowhide leather, dual leather top handles and two-way zip closures at...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Briefcases and Attachés
- Louis Vuitton Monogram Pilot or Doctor's Briefcase, Louis vuitton ServietteBy Louis VuittonLocated in Saint-ouen, FRThis very unusual Louis Vuitton briefcase features monogram canvas and solid brass stamped Louis Vuitton lock. It also has got a beautiful all leather handle in pristine condition. T...Category
Late 20th Century French Briefcases and Attachés
- Chanel 1991 Vintage Top Handle Briefcase Large Work Travel Crossbody BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel 1991 Vintage Top Handle Briefcase Large Work Travel Crossbody Bag Year: 1989-1991 Gold hardware Large CC turnlock Leather quilted stitching and smooth calfskin leather ext...Category
1990s Italian Briefcases and Attachés
- Chanel 1992 Vintage Black Diamond Quilted Work Laptop Briefcase BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Vintage Black Diamond Quilted Work Laptop Briefcase Bag circa 1992 black lambskin diamond quilting single flat top handle front flap closure push-lock fastening main compart...Category
1990s Italian Briefcases and Attachés
- Chanel Classic Flap Portfolio Caviar Briefcase Black Leather Laptop BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Classic Flap Portfolio Caviar Briefcase Black Leather Laptop Bag Gold tone hardware Black quilted caviar leather Front flap with CC turn l...Category
1990s French Briefcases and Attachés
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.