Vintage Crocodile Leather Hermes Jewellry Box Handbag Property of Royalty! Gladstone-style! So rare! Start Price GBP 22,750.00 Current Price GBP 22,750.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Wednesday, September 03, 2008 End Time Saturday, September 13, 2008 Location London See more about 'Vintage Crocodile Leather Hermes Jewellry Box Handbag' Description muddy-wellies Store Here is a once in a lifetime opportunity for a high net worth individual to own a piece of history of the British Raj from the last century.   I honestly believe this is perhaps the most spectacular Hermes item to ever be listed on ebay; this piece is truly priceless and is of real museum quality. If one were to go into Hermes today and order a replacement it would cost in excess of £200,000.   Crafted of crocodile hide, with Ormolu hardware and gold initialing, this breathtaking bag / jewellery case was made to order by Hermes especially for Her Highness the Maharani of Kapurthala. Due to it’s age you will not need any CITES certification. As expected on an Hermes bag, the crocodile skin is truly beautiful, with gorgeous rich brown scales.   Maharani Narinder Kaur [née Stella Mudge] was the mistress and eventual wife of His Highness Maharaja Parmajit Singh. Born in Kent in 1904, she was once an ‘exotic dancer’ at ‘The Follies Bergere’ nightclub in Paris and was engaged in an affair with the Maharaja for 15 years before their marriage in 1937. Infamous, extroverted and beautiful, Stella was one of the most well known Maharani’s of the twentieth century, and was widely regarded as ‘India’s Rose’. A car once belonging to her is now in the prestigious Nethercutt Collection.   The bag is a one-of-a-kind design, commissioned especially for the Maharani. The bottom section acts as a jewelry case, with several sections for an assortment of jewelry and a removable tray. There is a ormolu hinge along the back meaning there is no damage to the back seam, and this section is sealed with a lock also marked ‘HERMES PARIS’.   Unfortunately the lock has been forced open at some point and so is not functional, however I have informally been verbally informed by a Hermes representative that it would be a pleasure for them to be able to work on such an exquisite piece. They have also expressed their interest in acquiring the piece themselves for their museum collection. Please do, however, make your own enquiries into the repair of the lock if you are interested in the purchase of this item.   The top section of the case is in the ‘Gladstone’ style, which opens to reveal a roomy interior lined in morocco leather. At some point this has, too, been forced open and so it subsequently shows some damage and scuffing around the lock area. As far as I can tell, however, these fittings are functional. On the inside, the lock is stamped ‘HERMES PARIS’. On the ‘wall’ of the interior is a large compartment secured by a ‘popper’. On the other ‘wall’ are two smaller sections. Unusually, unlike all other Hermes items I have seen, the bag is stamped in gold-blocked letters not only with ‘HERMES PARIS’, but also with the address: ‘24FgStHONORE’.   Not only is it an unspeakably rare and valuable piece in its own right, it also comes with its matching crocodile skin wallet, also lined in morocco leather and marked ‘HERMES PARIS’. I think it is a tri-fold style and it accommodates a mirror and two small coin sections, as well as a place for a small pen. There is a key stored in here for the aforementioned lock for the jewelry compartment. There is no key for the Gladstone section but, once again, I am sure Hermes would be willing to help with this.   Also included in the auction are a number of documents associated with the Maharani; there is: -         A black-and-white photo of the Maharani herself (20cm x 15cm) . -         A book of Bryant & May matches with an image of the Maharaja and the Maharani on one side, and the Jagatjit Palace Kapurthala on the other. -         A postcard from the Taj Mahal Hotel, addressed to the Maharani and dated 2nd October 1949. -         A book of 11 postcards, each depicting an image associated with the Kapurthala rule. -         Two letters from the Kapurthala state, one with an envelope, both associated with the Maharani.   The bag measures 26.5cm tall, excluding the handle which is an additional 9.5cm. The base is 30.3cm wide and 14cm deep. The wallet measures 11cm x 9cm x 1.5cm when closed.   I am really lost for words when describing the value and rarity of this piece. It really does belong in a museum, and can only ever go up in value..! It would look superb just on display on ones dressing table and just oozes the glamour and luxury of its time.   I think it was made sometime in the thirties, and it has, of course, seen use and wear. The main cause for concern is really the locks and the scuffing around the Gladstone opening, however aside from that it is in clean condition, with some scuffs and age-related wear, but nothing fundamental. Also, the bag looks slightly squashed on the right hand side, and stands slightly wonky; this is visible in the photos.   Due to the Anti-Money Laundering Regulations the winning bidder must pay by means of bank transfer or certified cheque and provide 2 forms of identification, one of which must be a passport or driving license, along with an explanation as to the origin of the funds. If you are not able/ willing to adhere to the above regulations, please do not bid on this item.   In order to save a lot of time, there is no reserve. Once the start price has been met, the item is for sale. Place a Bid!