HMS Birkin

Offered exclusively at the JaneFinds + Christie's Handbags Online: Summer in the City Auction July 14 - 28

Around the turn of the century, Hermès developed an unusual dyeing process which they applied to buffalo leather for a wholly new and exciting effect. Through a special treatment, they were able to dye the naturally pebbled leather twice in succession, with white and a contrasting color creating a spotted pattern along the grain. Absolutely covered in spots, the bags created from this material were called Dalmatian bags, or Dalmatien in French. Hermès produced a few of their handbag styles in this material, which came with contrasting black, orange, red, and green spots. This is a rare example of a 35cm Dalmatian Birkin in the white and black colorway. It features gold hardware which is unusual for Dalmatian bags, and handles that have been freshly replaced by Hermès. The interior matches with the spots, black Chevre leather, and houses the brand stamp, which Hermès moved inside the bag as it would disrupt the spotting pattern on the front. Hermès produced their last Dalmatian bags in 2008, after numbers had been dwindling for years. Today, these bags are highly sought after by collectors looking for truly unusual pieces.

35cm: 14' W x 7.5' D x 10.75' H

Material: Buffalo Leather
Hardware: Gold
Condition: Very Good