1983 Hermès malette attache case Quirius (48H)
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Style:1983 (Of the Period)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Milano, IT
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU3285221292292
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: Milano, Italy
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- Hermès custom coffret a bijouxBy HermèsLocated in Milano, ITHermés custom coffret a bijoux, black leather “box”. Interior made of 14 velved lined compartments and cushions covers. Original key with black leather ...Category
1970s French Briefcases and Attachés
- Peacock wide silk skirtLocated in Milano, ITWide silk skirt with embroidered beading inserts. Size IT: 42 Size USA: 8 MEASURES: Waist: 74 cm Length: 85 cmCategory
Early 2000s American Skirts
- 1970s double silk chiffon blouseLocated in Milano, IT1970s double silk chiffon blouse, turtleneck, halter sleeve cut. Bodice lined with flesh-colored fabric. SIZE IT: 42 SIZE USA: 8 MEASURES: Waist: 90 cm Length: 63 cm Bust: 100 cmCategory
1970s American Blouses
- 1950s R.Delicata décolleté in pink satinLocated in Milano, IT1950s R.Delicata décolleté in pink satin encrusted with stones and embroidery. Custom made MEASURES: Size USA: 8 Size IT: 38 1/2 Heels: 7 CMCategory
1950s French Shoes
- 1970s Vintage fluid black dress in sheer jerseyLocated in Milano, ITFluid black dress in sheer jersey with lurex copper profiles and belt. Deep V neckline. Wide shoulder straps. Size IT:40 Size USA: 6 Waist: 66 cm Length: 152 cm Bust: 80 cmCategory
1970s American Evening Dresses
- 1990s Vintage evening long black dressLocated in Milano, ITLong black dress with halter neck. Stretch fabric in polyester and spandex. Beaded embroidery. Size: L Stretch Waist: 74 cm Length: 143 cm Bust: 86 cmCategory
1990s American Evening Dresses
- Chanel In The Classic Flap Vintage Large Business Shoulder Briefcase Black BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel So Black Vintage Caviar Large Business Travel Bag Year: 1991 {VINTAGE 31 Years} Gold hardware CC turn lock logo at front Crossbody Strap Leather black interior Two main inte...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 1994 Rare Vintage Red Caviar Executive Briefcase Laptop Flap BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel caviar red vintage briefcase with gold CC clasp 1994 {VINTAGE 28 Years} Gold hardware Interior centered zippered pocket 11" H x 14.75" W x 2.5" D Handle Drop 2" Made in FranceCategory
1990s French Briefcases and Attachés
- Red leather breifcase with handle and Medusa pattern Gianni Versace Circa 1980'sBy Gianni VersaceLocated in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FRRed leather breifcase with handle and Medusa pattern. 2 inside compartments . 2 Locks and 2 keys. Inside pocket with zip. Branded nylon lining. Size 35 cm X 30 cm X 10 cmCategory
1980s Italian Briefcases and Attachés
- Red leather breifcase with Medusa embosset Giani Versace Circa 1980'sBy Gianni VersaceLocated in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FRRed leather breifcase with Medusa embosset. Width:38 cm , height: 28 cm, depth: 5 cm . In leather with branded nylon lining. Lock ( no more keys) Flat pocket in the back.Category
1980s Italian Briefcases and Attachés
- Chanel Vintage Dark Green Crocodile Tote BriefcaseBy ChanelLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis authentic Chanel Dark Green Crocodile Tote Briefcase is in excellent condition. Very rare, Chanel no longer produces exotics. This is an exceptio...Category
Late 20th Century European 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.