Hermès Vintage Constance 23 in Shiny Black Porosus Crocodile, Gold H Hardware, Box and Dust Bag

A vintage Hermès Constance 23 in glazed black Porosus crocodile with the gold H clasp, the original single-strap shoulder bag at its most refined.

The Piece

The Constance was designed by Catherine Chaillet and launched in 1969, the year her daughter Constance was born. Its single defining gesture, an oversized H that closes the flap, made it one of the house's most recognisable bags, and in black crocodile with gold hardware it is the most classic version of all.

This example is in shiny Porosus crocodile, identified by the caret mark beneath the Hermès Paris Made in France stamp. The scales are small and even, the glaze is deep, and the gold H sits centred on the flap. The strap, also in crocodile, gives a shoulder drop of about 35 cm.

Inside, the bag is lined in black leather with a zip pocket. The proportions and fittings place it among the earlier Constance 23 models rather than the later Constance 3 with its added gusset compartments.

Compact at about 22.5 by 15.5 cm, it holds a phone, cards and keys and sits neatly under the arm, as at home with a day suit as with evening dress.

Details

• Designer: Hermès
• Season: Vintage; date stamp not confirmed
• Model / ref: Constance 23
• Material: Shiny Porosus crocodile; leather lining
• Colour: Black; gold hardware
• Made in: France
• Tagged size: 23
• Measurements: Width 22.5 cm · Height 15.5 cm · Depth 5 cm · Strap drop 35 cm
• Included: Box and dust bag
• Export note: Exotic skin: dispatched with CITES re-export documentation prepared in Japan; import rules vary by country and state, so please confirm your destination accepts this skin before purchase

Condition

• Light scratches and creasing to the crocodile body.
• Scratches to the gold H clasp and strap fittings.
• Rubbing and creasing to the strap.
• Box and dust bag show soiling and rubbing.
• Glaze still deep and the shape firm.

Condition grade AB on the Japanese scale; see Japanese condition ranks, explained.

Authenticity & Care

Leather, saddle stitching, edge finish and blind stamp are examined together and documented in Japan before dispatch. Every piece carries the Japonista authenticity guarantee. Store stuffed and flat in its dust bag, away from heat, and avoid hanging it by the strap for long periods.

Delivery from Japan

Packed by hand in Japan and shipped insured and tracked by EMS or an equivalent express service. Import duties and taxes, where applicable, are payable on arrival. Every sale is final; please ask anything before you buy, and see our published policy.

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