Vintage Hermès Bags

The vintage fashion trend has become a powerful movement, particularly with younger, style-conscious women bringing new life to glamorous, preloved items. Vintage clothing, bags, and jewelry reflect a growing concern for sustainability and a tribute to classic artisanship. One of the most treasured representations of this movement is the Hermès vintage purse. Every vintage Hermès bag is a work of wearable art fashioned with exquisite care and attention to detail.

Vintage Hermès handbags are more than accessories; they're statements of a growing trend that reveres the past's charm while honoring the present's call for sustainability. Further, they represent an opportunity to possess exceedingly rare Hermès bags in styles long ago retired. How else could you score an Hermès Birkin in Vibrato Parchemin or one in Leopard Troika “pony” hair? Hermès vintage bags like the Kelly in Orange Dalmatian or Vert Cru are exciting finds.

Vintage Hermès Bags for Sale

Discover our carefully curated collection of vintage Hermès bags, each offering a glimpse into the world of timeless elegance and artistry. Our pre-owned Hermès bags are scrutinized to ensure the condition they’re in meets our exacting standards. Our collection is always changing. So, in addition to rare or retired Hermès leathers, you’ll also find your favorites like Box and Swift, as well as exotic skins like crocodile and ostrich.

When you purchase a vintage Hermès handbag, you're embracing a legacy that has been carefully preserved and passionately cherished. These bags, revered for their artisanship and iconic style, are more than mere accessories; they're investments in fashion history.

While there are two ways to buy a new Birkin bag, there’s just one for purchasing a vintage Hermès bag in mint condition — through a reputable Hermès dealer like Madison Avenue Couture. Which of our treasures has your name on it?

Vintage Hermès Bags FAQs

What defines a vintage Hermès bag?

A vintage Hermès bag is one that was released at least 20 years ago or longer. This is pretty standard in the luxury handbag market. In 2024, according to this Hermès date stamp guide, any bag with an H square stamp or earlier qualifies as a vintage bag.

Is a vintage Hermès bag a good investment?

A vintage Hermès bag can be an excellent investment. According to a study by Baghunter, Hermès Birkin bags grew in value from 1981 to 2016 faster than gold or the S&P 500. As with any investment, the details matter. First, the bag’s condition is critical to its investment value. Next, some Hermès colors hold their value better than others. Finally, some models and sizes hold their value better than others, while limited-edition and exotic skin bags often increase in value faster than the annual releases. 

How do I verify the authenticity of a vintage Hermès handbag?

You can verify the authenticity of a Hermès bag through many specific details of its construction. Every facet of new and vintage Hermès handbags is hand-crafted by exceptional artisans. Most fakes can be recognized by corners cut across the bag’s embossed logo, hardware, stitching, dimensions, leather quality, zipper, lining, lock, keys, brand stamp, date stamp, and accompaniments, such as the dust bag and packaging.

Qualified Hermès authenticators and reputable Hermès dealers must scrutinize all these details to determine a bag’s authenticity. Because these bags are so valuable, many counterfeits and “super fakes” are on the market. Protect yourself and do business only with a responsible dealer who guarantees the authenticity of their products.

How should I care for a vintage Hermès bag to maintain its condition?

Your vintage Hermès bag is a piece of functional art and fashion history. With proper care, it will continue to provide decades of beautiful use. You should wear and enjoy your bag; just plan to give it a day or two of “rest” each week. Protect the leather from getting wet, and handle it with clean hands. Perfume, lotion, and the oils from your hand can darken the leather. Consider tying colorful Twillies around the handles to protect them and express your style. When storing your bag, empty the contents so they do not leave an impression in the leather. Wipe the leather with a soft microfiber cloth and gently buff any scratches. Stuff the bag with acid-free tissue paper to support its shape. Then, slide the bag into its dust cover and store it upright in a dark, dry location.