Hermes Alligator Box
About the Item
- Creator:Hermès (Artist)
- Dimensions:Height: 4.25 in (10.8 cm)Diameter: 3.5 in (8.89 cm)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:unknown
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Condition: very good, patina to metal, minor surface scratches, scratches to base, a couple of minor nicks to top.
- Seller Location:Lake Worth Beach, FL
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU9652238396712
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Lake Worth Beach, FL
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Barovier & Toso Vase, MuranoBy Barovier&TosoLocated in Lake Worth Beach, FLArtist/Designer: Barovier & Toso (Italian) Additional Information: Provenance: Estate of a noteworthy Italian glass collector from Florida and New York. Marking(s); notes: no marki...Category
20th Century Italian Vases
MaterialsGlass
- Paul J. Stankard Botanical / Root People Upright PaperweightBy Paul StankardLocated in Lake Worth Beach, FLArtist/Designer: Paul J. Stankard (American, b. 1943) Additional Information: The paperweight details include a root person and flowers. Provenance: Private Collection, Palm Beach, ...Category
20th Century American Paperweights
MaterialsGlass
- Anzolo Fuga Vase, Provenance Lobel ModernBy Anzolo FugaLocated in Lake Worth Beach, FLArtist/Designer: Anzolo Fuga (Italian, 1914-1998); Arte Vetraria Muranese (A.V.E.M.) Additional Information: Provenance: Lobel Modern Gallery Marking(s); notes: no marking(s) appar...Category
20th Century European Vases
MaterialsGlass
- Grueby Pottery Two-Color VaseBy Grueby Faience Company 1Located in Lake Worth Beach, FLArtist/Designer: Grueby Faience Co. Additional Information: Fine example of a two-color Grueby vase Marking(s); notes: marking(s) Country of origin; materials: USA; glazed earthen...Category
Early 20th Century Vases
MaterialsEarthenware
- Lalique Fish Figurines, School of 10By LaliqueLocated in Lake Worth Beach, FLArtist/Designer: Lalique Additional Information: Sculptures are accompanied by an acrylic display case. Reference: Lalique, Marie-Claude Lalique: pg. 254. Provenance: Private Collec...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Animal Sculptures
MaterialsGlass
- Giulio Radi “Reazione Policrome” Vase, MuranoBy Giulio RadiLocated in Lake Worth Beach, FLArtist/Designer: Giulio Radi; Arte Vetraria Muranese (A.V.E.M.) Additional Information: Provenance: Lobel Modern, New York, New York Private Collection, Bethesda, Maryland. Markin...Category
20th Century Italian Vases
MaterialsGlass
- Alligator Green Cigar BoxLocated in Paris, FRCigar Box Alligator Green with all structure in solid cedar wood, box covered with alligator skin stained in Gucci green finish. hardware and key in solid brass in polished finish...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
MaterialsBrass
- 1910's Alligator Jewellery BoxLocated in Hong Kong, HKSmall Alligator Jewellery box, containing a small removable tray for jewellery. On the centre of the lid a metal handle is attached, This box sho...Category
Early 20th Century British Jewelry Boxes
MaterialsMetal
- Hermes Vanity BoxBy HermèsLocated in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABAEmbody the French elegance and sophistication with this exquisite Hermes Vanity Box. Melding both function and design, this circular-shaped vanity box fe...Category
Vintage 1970s French Neoclassical Decorative Boxes
MaterialsMetal, Silver
- Hermes Vanity BoxBy HermèsLocated in West Palm Beach, FLHermes Vanity Box 1970s, France Dimensions: Height: 3.75 in Diameter: 3.5 in Embody the French elegance and sophistication with this exquisite Hermes Va...Category
Vintage 1970s French Neoclassical Decorative Boxes
MaterialsMetal
- 1920's Large Alligator Cigar BoxLocated in Hong Kong, HKSilver plated and alligator cigar and cigarette box, the lid is partially covered of crocodile leather and by a silver plated look a like belt strap. T...Category
Early 20th Century British Cigar Boxes and Humidors
MaterialsSilver Plate
- 1960’s Hermès Bullet BoxBy HermèsLocated in Hong Kong, HK1960’s Hermès Bullet Box (signed “Hermès Paris” at the bottom of the box) Half a Bullet in Brass is attached on the top of the lid The inside of ...Category
Vintage 1960s French Decorative Boxes
MaterialsMetal
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.