Hermès Mini Magnifying Glass in Silver-Plated Metal
About the Item
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Height: 2.37 in (6 cm)
- Style:Circa 1990 (Of the Period)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
- Reference Number:
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: SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, France
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Chanel Silver Metal Key RingBy Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, ChanelLocated in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FRChanel - Silver metal key ring Additional information: Dimensions: Height: 10 cm Condition: Very good condition Seller Ref number: BRB11Category
Early 2000s French Other
- Hermès Cashmere and Wool Plaid/BlanketBy HermèsLocated in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FRHermès - Cashmere and wool plaid/blanket. Composition label missing. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: about 200 cm x 170 cm Seller Reference: ACC114Category
Early 2000s Textiles and Quilts
- Hermès Cashmere and Wool Plaid / BlanketBy HermèsLocated in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FRHermès - Cashmere and wool plaid / blanket. Composition label missing. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: 200 cm x 180 cm Seller Reference: ACC109Category
Early 2000s Textiles and Quilts
- Chanel Keychain in Gold MetalBy Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, ChanelLocated in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FRChanel - (Made in France) Keychain in gold metal. Fall/Winter 1996 collection. Additional information: Dimensions: Height: 12 cm Condition: Very good condition Seller Ref numbe...Category
1990s French Other
- Chanel Silvery Metal Dog LeashBy ChanelLocated in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FRChanel - Silvery metal leash interlaced with leather. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Length: 120 cm - Neck circumference: 21 cm to 25 cm Seller ...Category
2010s Other
- Glass Paste Violets Bouquet, circa 1960sBy Maison GripoixLocated in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FRViolet bouquet composed of glass paste. Originally, this bouquet was ordered by Maison Chanel as a gift to its most important clients. Circa 1960s. Additional information: Condition...Category
1960s French Decorative Objects
- 70s Parker fountain pen set, gold plated, caseLocated in VALLADOLID, ES70s Parker fountain pen set, gold plated, case Fountain pen manufactured in the United States by Parker in the mid-sixties. Pair of PARKER 45 CUSTO...Category
1960s American For The Desk
- S.T.Dupont red lacquer and plated gold lighter collectionBy S.T. DupontLocated in VALLADOLID, ESLuxury lighter from the prestigious S.T. Dupont, plated in yellow gold and decorated in authentic Chinese red lacquer, framed between gold profiles. It is engraved with initial...Category
1990s French For The Desk
- Le Must Vendome Trinity fountain Silver pen, Cartier, 90’s – FranceBy CartierLocated in VALLADOLID, ESBeautiful Fountain pen manufactured by the prestigious French luxury goods brand Cartier around the nineties. The unit, which corresponds to the well-known Le Must Vendome...Category
1990s French For The Desk
- Montblanc writing set, 1266 pen and 1666 mechanical pencil, 925 silver, 80'sBy MontblancLocated in VALLADOLID, ESExcellent Montblanc writing set in 925 silver, consisting of a model 1266 fountain pen and a model 1666 mechanical pencil. Each writing tool has been assembled by hand, incorporating...Category
1980s Swiss For The Desk
- Parker 75 Custom Insignia writing set with case, 14k gold plated, 70'sBy James ParkerLocated in VALLADOLID, ESParker 75 Custom Insignia writing set with case, 14k gold plated, 70's. Excellent Parker writing set, consisting of a fountain pen, ballpoint pen and model 75 Custom Insignia mechanical pencil in its original case. Each of the three pieces retains its streamlined silhouette and iconic arrow-clip cap. Each writing tool has been assembled by hand, incorporating Parker's experience and reputation for superior craftsmanship. Both the pen and the ballpoint pen have the initials “E.E.” engraved. As an ornament, each tool features a subtle and elegant square pattern across the entire surface. 14k gold nib. Its conservation corresponds to normal use, without damage. It also retains its original box. Parker Pen Company...Category
1970s North American For The Desk
- Pair Spanish Gold Bronze Busts of Horses in the Hermes styleLocated in VALLADOLID, ESGorgeous and large busts of a Spanish horse in solid and gold bronze. The busts are represented on a keyhole-shaped car-touche with a composition of riding crops and high equine reli...Category
1960s Spanish 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.