-SPECIAL- “HERMÈS” 50’s-60’s sculptural oval clasp midnight navy leather handbag

Since its founding in 1837, HERMÈS has passed down meticulous leather craftsmanship rooted in the making of harnesses, pursuing beauty born from both materials and function. We are pleased to introduce a truly rare piece that encapsulates mid-century sensibility and the artistry of master craftsmen.

In a deep navy that sinks so profoundly it can appear black at first glance, the smooth calf leather has been shaped into a refined, horizontally oriented silhouette. At the center, an oval frame paired with two gold-toned spherical hardware elements is set against the classic structure, lending a subtle hint of modernism to this exquisite piece.

What elevates this bag to a special status above all else is—above all—the exquisite depth of its navy color. In indoor settings and within shadow, it reveals a poised expression close to black, while in the light, a quiet cool blue emerges from within the leather itself, creating a softness and intellectual depth that black simply cannot offer.

Rather than a bright navy that loudly declares its color name, it possesses a calmness that naturally harmonizes with your outfit. As a result, you can incorporate it with the same ease as standard hues, yet the closer you look, the more abundant the color reveals itself. The beautiful combination of deep navy and warm gold adds an elegant, vintage-inspired radiance to a refined, composed form.

At the center of the flap, the hardware features an extremely rare arrangement: two spherical elements are placed side by side within a thick, oval-shaped frame. While it functions as a practical closure mechanism, it also carries the presence of a single piece of jewelry—or even a small sculptural work.

By not positioning the logo or monogram prominently on the exterior, and instead allowing only the originality of the hardware and the texture of the leather to establish the bag’s character, the piece clearly reflects the HERMÈS aesthetic of an era that entrusted value to materials and design itself. As the HERMÈS engraving is found on the underside of the hardware as well, it is evident that the attention to detail extends to parts that are difficult to see from the outside.

Where the upper line runs straight and true horizontally, the tip of the flap is given a very gentle curve, creating an elegant expression that does not become overly rigid. Fine stitching along the outer edge tightens the silhouette, quietly highlighting the beauty of the contour without interfering with the smooth sheen of the leather.

Designed with a slender, elongated leather handle, it sweeps in a large arc over the bag, and the contrast with the horizontally oriented body lends the whole design a lightness. The left and right connection points use small spherical hardware, visually echoing the two central spheres—so the handle and the front are unified into a cohesive design from the standpoint of the front perspective. This attention to consistency is exceptionally well executed.

The accordion-like gusset visible from the side maintains a thin, refined exterior while forming multiple interior spaces, resulting in a functional structure. The interior is also unified in deep navy leather, with snap pockets and flat pockets carefully added in addition to the main space. In contrast to the exterior’s simplicity, the storage compartment is where HERMÈS’s precision as a maker of practical goods is condensed.

On the surface, subtle wrinkles and changes in luster that only come from long years of leather aging can be seen, and gentle wear also appears on the gold-toned hardware. Yet these do not compromise the bag’s refined contours; instead, they add depth as an object that has lived for more than half a century. It is not merely “old”—the distinctive added value lies in the fact that the quality of the materials and the precision of the construction have endured over time.

Regarding the period, in addition to the double gold-foil embossing inside reading HERMÈS PARIS, the HERMÈS engraving on the underside of the hardware, and the accordion structure made entirely of leather, we can also confirm the notation “Bté S.G.D.G.” associated with the French patent system prior to 1968. For these reasons, we judge that the most likely timeframe is from around 1950 to around 1968, and particularly that the late 1950s to the mid-1960s are the most probable. Since we cannot confirm the blind stamp, we are not making a one-year determination; however, the fact that older dates are supported not only by the design but also by the presence of notations for secondary materials is extremely important for this piece as an archive item.

While it features an design distinct from widely known icon bags, you can feel HERMÈS’s philosophy in every aspect—from the selection of leather to the sculpting of the hardware and the storage structure. This is a piece we especially recommend for those who wish to enjoy the brand’s history more deeply, and for those seeking a quiet rarity that does not overlap with what others are carrying.

With a calmness close to black, yet under the light the elegance unique to deep navy appears. It can be incorporated naturally into everyday styling, and it is also ideal for those who want to express their individuality through the beauty of color and material rather than relying on decoration.

For styling, we recommend pairing it with beautifully tailored long jackets or refined shirts, and using drape-shaped trousers as a base so that the bag’s architectural silhouette becomes a focal point of the overall look. Even when added to flowing long dresses or minimalist set-ups, the depth of the deep navy and the gold-toned hardware will look tasteful, resulting in a classic yet modern genderless style.

By all means, take this opportunity.