Rare Cartier Attaché Case in burgundy leather and gold hardware
View Similar Items
Rare Cartier Attaché Case in burgundy leather and gold hardware
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Style:Dandy (In the Style Of)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Paris, FR
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU1402212735222
Cartier
For its extraordinary range of bracelets, watches, rings and other adornments, French luxury house Cartier is undeniably one of the most well known and internationally revered jewelers in the world among clients both existing and aspirational.
Perhaps 1847 was not the ideal time to open a new watchmaking and jewelry business, as the French Revolution was not kind to the aristocracy who could afford such luxuries. Nevertheless, it was the year Louis-François Cartier (1819–1904) — who was born into poverty — founded his eponymous empire, assuming control of the workshop of watchmaker Adolphe Picard, under whom he had previously been employed as an assistant. Of course, in the beginning, it was a relatively modest affair, but by the late 1850s, Cartier had its first royal client, Princess Mathilde Bonaparte, niece of Napoleon Bonaparte, who commissioned the jeweler to design brooches, earrings and other accessories.
Under the leadership of Louis-François’s son, Alfred, who took over in 1874, business boomed. Royalty around the world wore Cartier pieces, including Tsar Nicholas II of Russia, the Maharaja of Patiala and King Edward VII, who had 27 tiaras made by the jewelry house for his coronation in 1902 and issued Cartier a royal warrant in 1904. (Today, the British royal family still dons Cartier pieces; Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, regularly sports a Ballon Bleu de Cartier watch.)
Cartier’s golden years, however, began when Alfred introduced his three sons, Louis, Pierre and Jacques, to the business. The brothers expanded Cartier globally: Louis reigned in Paris, Pierre in New York and Jacques in London, ensuring their brand’s consistency at their branches across the world. The trio also brought in such talents as Charles Jacqueau and Jeanne Toussaint.
One of Cartier’s earliest major successes was the Santos de Cartier watch — one of the world's first modern wristwatches for men. (Previously, a large number of people were using only pocket watches.) Louis designed the timepiece in 1904 for his friend, popular Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, who wanted to be able to check the time more easily while flying.
Cartier’s other famous timepieces include the Tank watch, which was inspired by the linear form of military tanks during World War I, and the so-called mystery clocks. Invented by watchmaker and magician Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin and later crafted exclusively for Cartier in the house’s workshop by watchmaker Maurice Couët, the mystery clocks were so named because the integration of glass dials on which the clocks’ hands would seemingly float as well as structures that are hidden away within the base give the illusion that they operate without machinery.
On the jewelry side of the business, Cartier’s internationally renowned offerings include the Tutti Frutti collection, which featured colorful carved gemstones inspired by Jacques’s trip to India and grew in popularity during the Art Deco years; the panthère motif, which has been incorporated into everything from brooches to rings; and the Love bracelet, a minimal, modernist locking bangle inspired by medieval chastity belts that transformed fine jewelry.
While the Cartier family sold the business following the death of Pierre in 1964, the brand continues to innovate today, renewing old hits and creating new masterpieces.
Find contemporary and vintage Cartier watches, engagement rings, necklaces and other accessories on 1stDibs.
- 2018 Men FW Louis Vuitton Messenger PM Dark infinity crossbody in black leatherBy Louis VuittonLocated in Paris, IDFLouis Vuitton Messenger PM Dark Infinity Limited Edition Men’s Fall-Winter 2018 Fashion Show Crossbody bag in black calfskin leather, blackened ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Briefcases and Attachés
- Louis Vuitton document holder in brown monogram canvasBy Louis VuittonLocated in Paris, IDFLouis Vuitton document holder in brown monogram canvas, gold metal hardware. Top and zip closure. Brown leather interior. Dimensions: 28....Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Briefcases and Attachés
- Chic Hermès Buenaventura briefcase in beige canvas and gold barenia leather, SHWBy HermèsLocated in Paris, IDFHermes Buenaventura Briefcase in beige officer canvas and Barénia Gold leather, palladium silver metal trim, a handle in barénia gold leather...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Briefcases and Attachés
- Louis Vuitton Altona PM Briefcase in brown checkerboard canvas and brown leatherBy Louis VuittonLocated in Paris, IDFVery Chic Louis Vuitton Altona PM Briefcase in Ebony canvas and brown leather, golden brass trim, a brown leather handle for a hand carr...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Briefcases and Attachés
- Chic Goyard Ambassade PM briefcase in Grey Goyardine canvas and leather, SHWBy GoyardLocated in Paris, IDFElegant Goyard Ambassade briefcase in grey Goyardine canvas and grey Cervon calfskin leather , silver metal trim, double grey leather handle ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Briefcases and Attachés
- Amazing Chanel vintage Briefcase in beige caviar leather, GHWBy ChanelLocated in Paris, IDFClassy Chanel Briefcase in beige caviar quilted leather, gold-plated metal hardware, a simple handle in beige caviar leather for a hand carry Patch pocket on back of bag Closure by f...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Briefcases and Attachés
- Hermes Sac A Depeche HSS 27 Bag Limited Edition Electric Blue/Rose Jaipur EpsomBy HermèsLocated in Miami, FLMightychic offers a very rare Hermes Limited Edition Sac a Depeche 27 HSS Horizons bag / briefcase. Vibrant Electric Blue and Rose Jaipur in Epsom ...Category
2010s French Briefcases and Attachés
- 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
- Hermès Kelly Depeche Epsom Dark Blue 38cmBy HermèsLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis fashionable handbag is fashioned from supple dark blue calfskin leather. The case has a robust leather top handle with silver palladium links, a crossing flap with a strap closi...Category
Early 2000s French Briefcases and Attachés
- Chanel Black White Leather Spring RTW Runway Professional Portfolio ClutchBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Spring 2014 RTW Runway Two Tone Professional Clutch Portfolio Year: 2014 Off white and black caviar leather Silver hardware CC Magnetic charm Bow detail Magnetic closure 13.5...Category
2010s Italian Briefcases and Attachés
- 1983 Hermès malette attache case Quirius (48H)By HermèsLocated in Milano, IT1983 Hermès malette attache case Quirius (48H) hand made, black leather “box”, completed with additional trousse de voyage set (manicure-pedicure set, b...Category
1980s French Briefcases and Attachés
- Vintage Bergdorf Goodman Brown Alligator Portfolio Briefcase Clutch c1990sBy Bergdorf GoodmanLocated in Philadelphia, PAVintage Bergdorf Goodman Brown Alligator Portfolio Briefcase Clutch c1990s in excellent condition. Brown matte alligator skin exterior trimmed with...Category
1990s Briefcases and Attachés
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
How to Spot a Fake Cartier Love Bracelet
This iconic jewel has captured countless hearts with its elegant design and its amatory symbolism. Counterfeiters have taken note of the demand and created fake versions. If you’re looking for a genuine Cartier Love bracelet, it’s crucial to check all the elements for authenticity. Our guide will teach you the telltale traits of a knockoff.
The 14 Most Iconic Watches for Women
Style, craft and heritage combine to make these designs undeniable classics.