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Rare Hermès · Curated by Jane
Hermès HAC Birkin 45 Etrusque Clémence Leather Gold Hardware
$25,000.00
The object record
- Condition
- 2 – Excellent
- Material
- Clémence Leather
- Color
- Etrusque (Terracotta/Brown)
- Metallic finish
- Gold
The story behind the HAC
Haut à Courroies: the direct ancestor of the Birkin, made to carry riding boots and a saddle. Hermès' own chronology dates it to around 1900 and credits Émile Hermès with its design. Proportions vary by size and era: a HAC 60 dated 2002 on record is wider than it is tall.
Discover Hermès Birkin HAC BagsThe Hermès Haut à Courroies (HAC) 45 is the original equestrian travel bag, distinguished by its taller proportions and shorter handles compared to the modern Birkin. This vintage 1996 example is rendered in Etrusque, a discontinued earthy tone that resembles terracotta or burnt sienna, capturing the warmth of the Tuscan landscape. Crafted from Taurillon Clémence, the leather is known for its heavy, matte grain and relaxed drape, giving this large travel piece a sophisticated slouch that defies the rigidity of new bags.
Accented with classic Gold hardware, the Etrusque pigment takes on a rich, autumnal character that is quintessentially 1990s Hermès. The 45cm size offers generous capacity for a weekend getaway while maintaining a manageable footprint compared to the massive 50cm or 60cm versions. Preserved in excellent condition, this circle-era piece carries the distinct quality of 20th-century craftsmanship.
Collector's Insight:
Etrusque is a ghost color for modern collectors: a hue that defined a specific era of Hermès history but is no longer part of the standard palette. Finding it on a significant travel piece like the HAC 45 is rare. It appeals to the connoisseur who favors the old-Hermès aesthetic, where colors were derived from natural earth tones rather than the pop-brights of today.
Resale Insight:
Vintage HACs in discontinued colors are enjoying a strong resurgence as heritage travel pieces gain traction. Unlike black or gold, Etrusque offers a unique visual identity that signals a deep archive piece. It provides the utility of a modern weekender with the character of a vintage collectible.
Condition, defined +
Every piece is graded on the JANEFINDS five-tier scale: 1 Pristine, 2 Excellent, 3 Very Good, 4 Good, 5 Vintage, Well-Loved. Each tier is defined in writing in The Condition Guide.
The JANEFINDS standard +
Every piece is authenticated in-house and individually inspected, and ships with a JANEFINDS Certificate of Authenticity.
Delivery and payment +
Domestic: FedEx Direct Signature, no additional fee unless noted. International: FedEx International Priority; duties and taxes may apply at destination. We do not ship to P.O. boxes. Orders ship within two business days of inventory and payment confirmation; contact us for expedited service.
Payment: Credit-card acceptance and payment arrangements are determined on a case-by-case basis. Contact JANEFINDS to confirm the payment arrangements for your purchase. Billing details must match the card exactly.
Returns +
A return may be requested within 24 hours of delivery, with the security tag intact and the piece returned complete and in original condition. Approved returns carry a 5% restocking fee. Full details in our Returns and Exchanges policy.
Complete the piece
Carried with.
Chains, straps and cases selected to work with this piece.
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